Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
963. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to address the issue of doctors working in hospitals as consultants who are not on the Medical Council’s specialist register as such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16384/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 57 of the Health Act 2004, the HSE’s regulatory functions include responsibility for all Consultant appointments in the public health service in Ireland including HSE hospitals, voluntary hospitals, mental health services and other agencies; whether additional, replacement, temporary or locum.
In March 2008 the HSE amended the qualifications specified for Consultant posts to require membership of the specialist division of the Register of Medical Practitioners maintained by the Medical Council. The HSE Policy in respect of all Consultant Appointments, both permanent and temporary is a requirement that they are on the Specialist Register.
The HSE issued instructions to all managers in July 2017 in relation to the management of those in posts who are not on the Specialist Register. These include putting in place a risk mitigation plan where the appointee does not hold the specified qualifications. This can include appropriate senior clinical oversight, if required. Consultants appointed prior to 2008 who do not hold specialist registration are to be supported in achieving registration.
Employers have also been asked to ensure that the contracts of temporary or locum doctors who do not hold the qualifications required for the post they occupy be ended and employment terminated. There are limited circumstances where, an experienced doctor, usually a Senior Registrar, who would not be on the Specialist Register may cover for an absent Consultant. This is in order to ensure senior medical coverage and to ensure the provision of safe quality care. The HSE has stated that this only occurs as a final option, in emergency circumstances.
Any doctor who occupies a consultant post, even if he/she is not on the specialist register would still hold a medical licence and would be on a division of the Medical Council Register. They are also fully qualified to practice medicine.
I expect the HSE to comply with statutory and policy requirements when filling consultant posts and I am satisfied that it has taken the steps necessary to do so.
