Ivan Yates
Ceist:25 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if he has any proposals to establish a central locum agency for hospital consultants to eliminate the problem of hospital waiting lists.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Central Locum Agency.
I have no plans to establish a central locum agency for hospital consultants, I do not consider that such an agency would be any more effective in securing locums than the existing practice which, in accordance with present contractual arrangements, involves the active participation of consultants in each specialty and sub-specialty in the selection of locums.
I am very disappointed at the Minister's reply. Is he aware that one of the problems — leaving aside the difficulty of hospital beds in regard to waiting lists — is the ad hoc arrangement for locums at present and, from time to time, the non-availability of consultants? In terms of dealing with the backlog of cases and indeed for the benefit of consultants, does the Minister not consider it more sensible for health boards and hospitals to have access to a central locum agency from which they could hire locum facilities of different specialities to ensure that there would not be a stop-go on certain appointments? This is the case abroad and I should like the Minister to have this matter fully considered.
I agree with the Deputy that locums should be recruited, where necessary, to maintain services. Of course it is a matter for the chief executive officer of the health board or the management of each hospital to decide when they want to recruit a locum or to make a new appointment. Where permanent appointments are involved, I understand that all agencies set in motion a procedure to make a new appointment well in advance of the termination of office of the incumbent, provided they have sufficient notice.
On the question of locums generally, the chief executive officer has the right to decide on such appointments and having decided that — this is important — the consultant is then involved in the selection process. It is obviously important that the consultant is involved in the selection of a locum who would in effect be looking after his patients. The Gleeson Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector are examining the remuneration and conditions of service of consultant medical staff and it could be expected that current practices regarding the securing of locums will form a part of this examination. I hope we will have that report fairly soon.
The time has come to deal with other questions.