Faster consultant access needed

It is because of expected reductions in applications for NCHD posts – and not because of budgetary challenges – that the HSE is seeking “reductions in tiered on-call and improved cross-cover arrangements”, Health Minister Harney has claimed.
Speaking in the Dáil, she said: “Instead of cases being referred through successive tiers of doctors, we need to increase the extent to which consultants and other senior clinical decision-makers respond to urgent or emergency cases.”

Harney conceded there are likely to be difficulties in filling some NCHD posts when doctors begin their next rotation in July. “The indications are that there will be a reduction in the number of applications for certain NCHD posts, especially in posts that aren’t part of a formal training rotation scheme and in emergency medicine, anaesthesia and general medicine. However, the extent of any shortfall will only become evident over the coming weeks,” the Minister said.
“I’ve made it clear to the HSE that it needs to increase the number of consultants and reduce the number of NCHDs to achieve a more appropriate balance between both groups,” Minister Harney said.
“I’m also determined to support the changes in the NCHD training status and associated medical registration status…under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007.”