Denis Naughten
Question:13. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to deal with the shortage of non-consultant hospital doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26884/14]
View answerWednesday, 25 June 2014
Questions (13)
Written answers
The next NCHD rotation occurs on 14th July. The HSE has advised that it is too early to be definitive on the level of vacancies that will arise, noting however that the number of posts that have not been filled is similar to previous years. However, vacancies are more concentrated in smaller hospitals. There are some hospitals to which it has historically been difficult to attract applicants, in particular smaller hospitals that have onerous rosters. The planned establishment of hospital groups should help to address this issue, as this will allow doctors to be appointed as group resources - instead of to just one hospital.
It should be noted that there are some specialties, in which there are international shortages. The filling of these posts represents a significant challenge given that there is a competitive international market for NCHDs and also for consultants. Where posts are vacant and suitable candidates cannot be sourced, locums are retained or alternative arrangements are made to ensure the continued delivery of the service. However, the intention is to move to a position where reliance on agency to fill posts is minimised and permanent staff are appointed.
Last July I set up a group under the chairmanship of Professor Brian MacCraith to carry out a strategic review of medical training and career structures. Under its terms of reference the Group will make recommendations aimed at improving the retention of medical graduates in the public health system and planning for future service needs. It provided an Interim Report in December 2013 focusing on training. In April 2014 the Group submitted its second report to me and this dealt with medical career structures and pathways following completion of specialist training. The final report of the Group will deal with workforce planning and this is due to be submitted by the end of June 2014. The work of the Group is fundamental to ensuring that we have attractive propositions for consultants and doctors in training, NCHDs, in the years ahead.