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News: Industrial Relations

All entries for Industrial Relations

Expanded role for Galway manager

Gary Culliton | 09 March 2010

The role of the new general manager for Galway University Hospitals has been expanded to include Portiuncula Hospital and Roscommon County Hospital. IMPACT last week told its members not to co-operate with any move to expand the scope of the... Read more

Data ‘grossly misleading’, says IHCA

Gary Culliton | 18 February 2010

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has accused the Health Service Executive (HSE) of providing the Dáil Public Accounts Committee with ‘inaccurate and grossly misleading’ data regarding the ratio of public to private practice undertaken by hospital consultants. IHCA Assistant... Read more

95% ‘Yes’ vote in NCHD ballot

Dara Gantly | 05 February 2010

NCHDs have voted almost unanimously in favour of the Labour Court recommendation on a new NCHD contract. On completion of the count on Monday at IMO House, it emerged that 95 per cent of doctors were in favour of the... Read more

NCHD case is settled

Dara Gantly | 28 January 2010

The IMO and the HSE have settled the long-running legal action initiated by the doctors’ union over implementation of a Labour Court recommendation and compliance with the European Working Time Directive (EWTD). The deal will see a new NCHD contract... Read more

Work to rule begins in health sector

Gary Culliton | 27 January 2010

Industrial action in the health sector and across the public service began on Monday. The initial phase of the action comprises a work-to-rule. IMPACT, the INMA, CPSU and SIPTU all served notice of industrial action as part of ICTU’s Public... Read more

IMO seeks 'yes' vote to deal

Dara Gantly | 22 January 2010

The IMO is recommending its members give a ‘yes’ vote in the ballot on the Labour Court recommendation on a new NCHD contract. Doctors have until next Friday, January 29 to return their ballots to IMO House on the proposed... Read more

IMO appoints new IR Director

Dara Gantly | 19 January 2010

The IMO has appointed Ian McGowan Smyth as its new Director of Industrial Relations. Smyth, who joined the doctors’ union this month, takes over from Finbarr Murphy, who has left to become the new Chief Executive of Veterinary Ireland —... Read more

D-day looms on NCHD working hours

Dara Gantly | 07 January 2010

The Government and the HSE will be engaged in a legal battle over the implementation of the 48-hour week for NCHDs on two fronts later this month, in the High Court and in Brussels. The Executive is due back in... Read more

IHCA to meet over pay cuts

Gary Culliton | 07 January 2010

The IHCA’s National Council is to meet next week to review options in the wake of pay cuts announced in December’s Budget. While a definite course of action will be decided at the meeting on January 16, one likely possibility... Read more

IMO is frustrated at drop in alcohol duty

Staff reporter | 21 December 2009

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has criticised the Government for reducing excise duty on all types of alcohol while we continue to have reports of the health and social harms caused by alcohol. Former IMO President Prof Joe Barry said:... Read more

Consultants meet Minister over pay cuts

Gary Culliton | 18 December 2009

The IHCA was due to meet with Minister for Health Mary Harney on Tuesday (December 15) to ensure that proposed pay cuts to consultants’ salaries were applied ‘on the same basis’ as they will apply to all other comparable public... Read more

'All bets are off' on health plan

Gary Culliton | 11 December 2009

A draft Transformational Plan for the Health Sector – details of which have been obtained by IMT – has been shelved, following the breakdown of trade union talks with the government last week. “All bets are off. This is not... Read more

Working Directive implementation could cut services

Dara Gantly | 11 December 2009

HSE CEO Prof Brendan Drumm has acknowledged that the implementation of the 48-hour week for NCHDs may well impact negatively on the delivery of health services. In his recent report to the Board of the HSE, Prof Drumm indicated that... Read more

HSE and IMO agree to arbitrator to review deal

Dara Gantly | 10 December 2009

The HSE and IMO have agreed on a Scottish high-ranking representative of the British Medical Association (BMA) to carry out the promised independent operational review of the interim out-of-hours public health doctors’ service. Dr Charles Saunders, a consultant in Public... Read more

NCHD ballot deadline extended to January

Dara Gantly | 09 December 2009

The deadline for balloting doctors on a new NCHD contract has been extended to January 31, 2010, Irish Medical Times has learned. It has been confirmed that the Labour Court arbitration process on the proposed contract will now take place... Read more

IMO wants tax hike on cigarettes and booze

Dara Gantly | 02 December 2009

The IMO has challenged the Government to prioritise the country’s scarce resources so that children, older people, those with disability and the poor are ‘cherished by the State and not abandoned’. Calling on the Minister for Finance to use next... Read more

Labour Court delays cast doubt on NCHD contract

Dara Gantly | 26 November 2009

The prospect of a new NCHD contract has been cast into doubt due to an overworked Labour Court swamped with industrial disputes. The Labour Court missed last Friday’s deadline (November 20) for completion of talks in the ongoing NCHD contract... Read more

Maintenance staff to join one-day strike

Dara Gantly | 18 November 2009

Some 5,000 maintenance workers in hospitals, local authorities and other public facilities are to support the 24-hour ICTU strike on November 24. The Local Authority and Health Service Craftworkers Group of Unions has served notice of industrial action up to... Read more

Boots employees to picket unilateral cuts in pay and benefits

Dara Gantly | 18 November 2009

Workers at Boots pharmacies will be placing pickets on all stores throughout the country on Saturday November 28. Mandate Trade Union has accused the employer of ‘blatantly’ taking advantage of the recession by unilaterally changing the terms and conditions of... Read more

‘Hundreds’ are working more than private ratio

Gary Culliton | 13 November 2009

‘Hundreds’ of hospital consultants are currently working more than their contracted ratio of private hours, Prof Brendan Drumm told the Public Accounts Committee last week. In August, the HSE reported that a significant number of public beds had been closed... Read more

IMO in EU NCHD survey

Dara Gantly | 12 November 2009

The IMO is expected to survey its NCHD members over the next four months to gauge their opinion on all aspects of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD), Irish Medical Times has learned. The move is part of a comprehensive... Read more

Deadline approaches for NCHD contract

Dara Gantly | 12 November 2009

The IMO and the HSE had yet to receive a date for arbitration at time of going to press from the Labour Court on a proposed new contract for NCHDs. The Court has until November 20 to hammer out a... Read more

Lack of 48-hour week outside control of HSE

Dara Gantly | 06 November 2009

The HSE has stated that if it has not fully implemented a settlement agreement achieving compliance with the 48-hour week for NCHDs, this is due to factors outside its control. In a robust defence delivered to the High Court late... Read more

NCHDs seek up to 40% increase in their base salary

Dara Gantly | 23 October 2009

The IMO wants the HSE to pay NCHDs an increase in base salary of between 25 and 40 per cent to compensate them for lost earnings as a result of the implementation of the European Working Time Directive. As talks... Read more

Consultants pursue pay breach in LRC

Gary Culliton | 20 October 2009

Two consultants have commenced Labour Relations Commission procedings to get unpaid pay rises due for the period from June to December 2008. The IHCA said it was seeking to have the matter resolved in advance of any LRC hearing. “We... Read more

EWTD limit may be revised upwards - EU

Dara Gantly | 19 October 2009

The President of the European Commission José Barroso has confirmed his intention to revise the controversial European Working Time Directive (EWTD). Speaking at the recent (September 28) Spring Alliance Conference in Brussels, Barroso said the European Commission would carry out... Read more

To hell or 160 km away — HSE

Dara Gantly | 16 October 2009

The Health Service Executive (HSE) wants to ‘dismantle’ the long-standing agreement with the IMPACT trade union, so that it can introduce voluntary redundancies for managers and relocate employees as far away as a 160km round trip distance from their current... Read more

IMO seek damages from HSE on 48- hour working week

Dara Gantly | 16 October 2009

The IMO is seeking aggravated damages from the HSE for breaching a settlement agreement relating to achieving compliance with the 48-hour week for NCHDs. In an Amended Statement of Claim issued on the eve of the latest in a series... Read more

Consultants take LRC case on unpaid pay raises

Gary Culliton | 06 October 2009

Two consultants have commenced Labour Relations Commission procedings to get unpaid pay raises due for the period from June to December 2008. The IHCA said it was seeking to have the matter resolved in advance of any LRC hearing. “We... Read more

HSE and IMO to clash on 13-hour shifts for NCHDs

Dara Gantly | 01 October 2009

The HSE and the IMO are set to clash over plans to make NCHDs work in excess of 13 hours a day, as part of a new 24-hour shift system in hospitals. Despite the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) stipulating... Read more

HSE and IMO to clash on 13-hour shifts for NCHDs

Dara Gantly | 01 October 2009

NCHD talks set to begin at end of September

Dara Gantly | 22 September 2009

Long-awaited talks be-tween the HSE and the IMO aimed at delivering a new contract for NCHDs will commence at the end of the month. Just three days over a space of fewer than three weeks have been set aside by... Read more

Pharmacists row cost HSE €20m

Dara Gantly | 17 September 2009

The HSE has estimated that the recent dispute with pharmacists over cuts in fees cost the Executive up to €20 million. It was forced to put in place contingency arrangements to deal with the dispute, establishing temporary dispensaries along the... Read more

Cuts needed to protect services — Department

Dara Gantly | 17 September 2009

The Department of Health has told the IMO that the recent 8 per cent reduction in fees and allowances paid to GPs was necessary in order to protect existing services. IMT understands that the Department recently wrote to the union... Read more

Medical bodies to discuss EWTD

Dara Gantly | 10 September 2009

The IMO is arranging meetings with the RCSI and the ICGP to discuss concerns the organisations may have over the implementation of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD). The talks follow similar meetings with the College of Anaesthetists, the College... Read more

IHCA to meet Minister on outstanding pay issues

Gary Culliton | 01 September 2009

The IHCA is due to hold a meeting with Health Minister Harney and HSE Chief Exeutive Brendan Drumm this month, at which outstanding matters — including the issue of increases scheduled for payment in June 2009 under the Consultants’ Contract,... Read more

Unions give swine flu free hand to HSE

Gary Culliton | 24 August 2009

Unions have effectively given HSE management ‘carte blanche’ on staff redeployment during the swine flu pandemic. All scheduled HSE annual leave will be cancelled, staff will be required to accept reassignment and notice requirements normally associated with changes to shifts,... Read more

Clinical directors to get pension pay

Dara Gantly | 12 August 2009

The IHCA has welcomed the move by the HSE and Department of Health to reverse its previous held position on the pensionable rights associated with allowances paid to clinical directors. The decision — which IHCA Assistant Secretary General Martin Varley... Read more

IHCA nominates two to hiring committee

Dara Gantly | 12 August 2009

The IHCA has submitted its nominations to the HSE for the new Consultant Applications Advisory Committee (CAAC). Prof Mary Leader, Pro-fessor of Pathology at the RCSI and consultant histopathologist at Beaumont Hospital, and Dr P J Breen, consultant anaesthetist at... Read more

Agreed rosters for NCHDs due this week

Dara Gantly | 05 August 2009

Agreed rostering guidelines to ensure all NCHDs work a 48-hour week are expected to be completed this week. The document — due to be finalised at a further meeting between the HSE and the IMO on Thursday (July 6) —... Read more

HSE and IMO for High Court

Dara Gantly | 02 August 2009

The HSE and the IMO are due back in the High Court in early October over the implementation of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) for NCHDs. In a brief hearing before Ms Justice Laffoy on July 24, Counsel for... Read more

Just 19 staff seek early retirement

Dara Gantly | 24 July 2009

Just 19 members of staff at the Department of Health have applied for early retirement under the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER). One further employee in the Office of the Ombudsman for Children — whose staff complement comes from... Read more

Rosters compliant with EWTD by August

Dara Gantly | 24 July 2009

The HSE anticipates that rosters compliant with the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) will be in place for virtually all NCHDs by the beginning of August. In legal correspondence from the HSE to the IMO, seen by Irish Medical Times,... Read more

Snip, snip, snip — over 6,000 staff to be cut

Dara Gantly | 24 July 2009

An Bord Snip Nua has recommended that 6,168 staff in the health service should be axed in order to make savings of €1,230 million a year. This amounts to more than 5 per cent of the health workforce. With health... Read more

Every spend to have ‘performance charter’

Dara Gantly | 24 July 2009

An Bord Snip Nua has proposed a set of radical new measures aimed at ensuring value for money in public spending. They include a suggested public service ‘performance charter’ that would be attached to every proposed new spending plan, which... Read more

IMO back in court on EWTD

Dara Gantly | 17 July 2009

The IMO was expected back in the High Court this week to seek the full implementation of the High Court settlement agreed between the union and the HSE back in April. The agreement settled the action taken by six NCHDs... Read more

NCHDs vote to accept proposals on European Working Time Directive

26 June 2009

More than eight out of ten IMO NCHDs have voted to accept Labour Court proposals on the implementation of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD). Doctors had until 5pm yesterday (June 25) to return their postal ballots to IMO House... Read more

No summer breaks for consultants?

Niamh Mullen | 19 June 2009

Consultants are worried they will not be able to take summer holidays because the HSE has insisted that locums must be listed on the Specialist Register of the Medical Council. A circular from the HSE to hospital management, issued on... Read more

Compo should be in next contract

Dara Gantly | 19 June 2009

The Labour Court has ruled that the issue of compensation for any loss of earnings due to implementing the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) should be dealt with in the next round of talks on a new NCHD contract. The... Read more

Pay report out this month

15 June 2009

A report analysing the labour market for 12 healthcare professions, including GPs, consultants and specialists in public health medicine, is due to be released this month. The FÁS study, carried out on behalf of a joint Department of Health/ HSE... Read more

Council not exempt from hiring freeze

Dara Gantly | 15 June 2009

Despite generating the bulk of its income from fees paid by doctors, the Medical Council is not exempt from the Government’s moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the public services. The Minister for Health Mary Harney has confirmed that as... Read more

IMO seeks meeting with Harney on GP fees

Dara Gantly | 12 June 2009

The IMO has sought a meeting with the Minister for Health over the decision to reduce by eight per cent most fees and allowances paid to GPs, writes Dara Gantly. The cuts in respect of medical card and GP-visit card... Read more

Mayo General to pay all approved NCHD time

Dara Gantly | 08 June 2009

Mayo General Hospital has agreed to pay all approved unrostered overtime worked by NCHDs from June 1 onwards, IMT has leaned. However, agreement could not be reached at a specially convened conciliation meeting last week between the IMO and management... Read more

IMO seeks clarity on cuts to GPs' fees

Niamh Mullen | 02 June 2009

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) will write to Health Minister Mary Harney this week seeking clarification on when cuts to professional fees for GPs will be implemented. IMO GP leader Dr Ronan Boland said the Organisation had still not received... Read more

First phase of pay deal a top priority

Gary Culliton | 28 May 2009

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) had discussions with Health Minister Harney last Wednesday, regarding payment of a first-phase increase under the consultant contract. The contract increases are due to be paid in instalments and the IHCA’s first priority is... Read more

NCHD talks fail to reach agreement

Dara Gantly | 28 May 2009

Talks between the HSE and the IMO on meeting the 48-hour week for NCHDs failed to reach agreement at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) last Friday and the matter was referred to the Labour Court for further negotiations. Issues surrounding... Read more

LRC talks dominated by rostering issues

Dara Gantly | 22 May 2009

Issues surrounding rostering and the working week dominated the first round of negotiations last week at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) on achieving compliance with the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) for NCHDs. Employers and the IMO have been given... Read more

Mayo General to meet IMO over NCHDs

Dara Gantly | 22 May 2009

A conciliation conference between Mayo General Hospital and the Irish Medical Organisation is scheduled to take place next week, IMT has learned. The meeting — to be held under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission — hopes to resolve... Read more

Talks deadline nears on EWTD for NCHDs

Dara Gantly | 15 May 2009

Employers and the IMO are due to meet again on Monday May 18 in the first round of negotiations at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) on achieving compliance with the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) for NCHDs. Both parties were... Read more

Offer made to public health doctors

Dara Gantly | 15 May 2009

Public health doctors (PHDs) have been offered E575 per week on call under an agreement to establish a new out-of-hours public health doctor service from June 1, Irish Medical Times has learned. Remuneration for the interim service — which is... Read more

IMO agrees to hold 48-hour week ballot

Dara Gantly | 11 May 2009

The IMO has agreed to hold a ballot of its members on or before June 25 on forthcoming measures from the HSE aimed at meeting the 48-hour week for NCHDs. Negotiations for achieving compliance with the European Working Time Directive... Read more

Part payment is 'fair and reasonable' says Minister

By Dara Gantly and Gary Culliton | 08 May 2009

The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, has described as ‘fair and reasonable’ the part-payment of the new consultant contract salary rates in order to plug a E147 million hole in the Health Service Executive’s budget. In total, E143... Read more

INO strike looming

Gary Culliton | 08 May 2009

Delegates at the Irish Nurses Organisation’s annual conference in Killarney have called for an all-out strike in protest against health service cutbacks. 97% of INO members in Sligo General Hospital have voted in favour of industrial action in protest at... Read more

Mercy hospital strike ballot 'deferred'

Gary Culliton | 06 May 2009

IMPACT has deferred balloting in a dispute at Mercy University Hospital in Cork over a decision by management to cut premium payments to staff. This is on the basis of a meeting with the hospital’s CEO Pat Madden this morning.... Read more

IMO and HSE still at odds on public doctors’ pay

Dara Gantly | 06 May 2009

The IMO and the HSE were due to meet in the Labour Court last Tuesday to settle the long running dispute over the withholding of a 2.5 per cent pay increases due to public health doctors. The continued non-payment of... Read more

Hospitals could do better on family policies

Dara Gantly | 05 May 2009

Four of Dublin’s major hospitals operate no official policy to allow staff to take term-time leave, despite the HSE describing such policies as ‘critically important’ in supporting work-life balance. The Mater, St Vincent’s, Tallaght and the Rotunda hospitals do not... Read more

IMO: 'Disproportionate hit' on general practice

Niamh Mullen | 01 May 2009

Yesterday's cut in doctor's fees and allowances payable in respect of State schemes, "will seriously inhibit the ability of general practice to continue to provide the range and breadth of services currently provided to patients," Dr. Ronan Boland, Chairman, IMO... Read more

Over-70s payments to GPs are cut again by Harney

Dara Gantly | 30 April 2009

The Minister for Health has decided to cut the over-70s capitation fee to GPs by a further 8 per cent, just months after the payment was reduced by more than a half. The fee is being reduced from €308.76 to... Read more

Court deal: no NCHD cuts this year

Gary Culliton | 29 April 2009

The IMO has settled a court action against the HSE in which it represented junior doctors. in relation to a €43m programe of proposed cost-saving measures. Following the institution of a High Court action by the Irish Medical Organisation, the... Read more

Hold on consultants’ pay to make up HSE shortfall

Dara Gantly | 24 April 2009

The Minister for Health has sanctioned only part-payment of the new consultant contract salary rates in order to plug a €147 million hole in the HSE’s budget. In total, €143 million less will be paid to consultants than previously envisaged... Read more

Altering of NCHD timesheets is a nationwide issue

Dara Gantly | 24 April 2009

If NCHD timesheets are being altered at one hospital — the IMO is in the midst of a challenge with Mayo General Hospital — then the practice is going on across the country, IMO delegates were told in Killarney. Regional... Read more

Jaffry to step down as non-EU Chair

By Dara Gantly | 23 April 2009

The Chairperson of the Irish Medical Organisation’s Non-EU Doctors Committee, Mr Syed Jaffry has decided to step down after more than four years in the post. The Galway Consultant Laparoscopic Urological Surgeon has decided to give up the Chair in... Read more

Clinical missed-directors

Gary Culliton | 23 April 2009

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has pledged new funding and supports to address problems with hospital Clinical Directors – particularly in the west and mid-west – after doctors claimed there wasn’t enough Clinical Directors at the Irish Medical Organisation’s annual... Read more

HSE: 13,000 temporary jobs under threat

Gary Culliton | 22 April 2009

There will be redeployment “within the HSE’s employment ceiling,” the HSE’s HR Director Mr Sean McGrath (pictured) said today. The HSE has 13,000 temporary staff and “if their purpose or the duration for which they are required changes, those contracts... Read more

Job cuts due in coming weeks

Gary Culliton | 20 April 2009

Major jobs cuts in the HSE’s community services will be unveiled shortly, Chief Executive Prof Brendan Drumm has said, Prof Drumm admitted that the HSE is facing likely staff cuts right across hospital and community services. “A lot of our... Read more

Front-line must be protected

Dara Gantly | 17 April 2009

The chief executive of the IMO George McNeice has said the recession only made it more important than ever that the majority of our scarce resources were aimed at front-line rather than back-room services. He poured particular scorn on recent... Read more

48 hours call 'provocative'

Dara Gantly | 17 April 2009

The IMO has described as ‘provocative’ the unilateral announcement by HSE Chief Executive Prof Brendan Drumm that all Interns will be given 48-hour compliant contracts from July. In his report to the Board of the HSE in February, Prof Drumm... Read more

Finance body to review pay rates

Dara Gantly | 16 April 2009

The Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector is to complete a fresh review of top-level pay rates, including those for consultants and public health doctors, by July. In his Supplementary Budget statement, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan... Read more

Labour Court for public health docs

Dara Gantly | 09 April 2009

The Chief Executive of the IMO believes the long-running dispute over the withholding of a 2.5 per cent pay increase due to public health doctors is destined to go all the way to the Labour Court. Speaking exclusively to Irish... Read more

Judge to hear NCHD case in three weeks

Dara Gantly | 06 April 2009

A judge will be made available by the president of the High Court in three weeks to hear the case taken by six NCHDs and the IMO against the HSE. The legal challenge over proposed cuts in overtime rates, grants... Read more

NCHD cuts are slammed

Dara Gantly | 03 April 2009

Surgical trainees believe that the HSE’s unilateral imposition of cuts in NCHD overtime and allowances will ‘substandardise by stealth’ the health service and endanger patients. In a hard-hitting position paper on the proposed cost-containment measures, the Irish Higher Surgical Training... Read more

IMO 2009 conference to address child protection

Dara Gantly | 03 April 2009

Representatives of the medical, social services and legal professions will address the issue of child protection at this year’s IMO AGM in Killarney. Speakers have been confirmed for the second scientific seminar on Friday April 17, and will include: Dr... Read more

IMO advises against ‘knee-jerk’ reactions

Dara Gantly | 27 March 2009

It would be ‘inadvisable, unwise and ineffective’ for the Government and the HSE to employ ‘knee-jerk reactions’ in deciding on topline cuts in public health spending, the IMO has warned. IMO CEO George McNeice stated that the country had already... Read more

GPs consider 'work to rule' after IMO meeting

Gary Culliton | 27 March 2009

A ‘work to rule’ is being considered by individual GPs around the country, following a meeting of 150 IMO members from around the country in Dublin’s Croke Park last Sunday. The GPs are threatening an end to pro bono work... Read more

IMO investments take a hit in 2008

Dara Gantly | 26 March 2009

The economic downturn has caused a devaluation in the IMO’s property and share investments amounting to €2,178,625. Income from membership for the year ending December 31, 2008 stood at €4,371,473 – up €203,394 on 2007, and the union recorded a... Read more

IMO calls urgent meeting of NCHDs

Dara Gantly | 26 March 2009

The IMO has arranged an urgent meeting of its NCHD members at the weekend to debate the series of unilaterally imposed HSE cuts facing the specialty group. The meeting will take place on Sunday March 29 at the Burlington Hotel,... Read more

Number of IMO members up in 2008

25 March 2009

Membership of the IMO grew to 6,173 in 2008, bringing in subscriptions totalling €4,371,473. However, not every craft group witnessed a growth in figures. GP membership actually fell slightly, from 2,131 in 2007 to 2,124 last year, with the number... Read more

Consultants face shortfalls

Gary Culliton | 20 March 2009

Specialists who signed the new consultant contract last year now face pay shortfalls of €34,000 each. Health Minister Mary Harney has decided that funding will be allocated to support the payment of the new contract with retrospect to January 1,... Read more

Call for submissions on tackling health staff shortages

By Dara Gantly | 18 March 2009

The Department of Health will be accepting submissions until this Friday, March 20 on a new EU Green Paper to tackle health staff shortages across Europe. Hawkins House is inviting the views and input of interested parties in order to... Read more

HSE meeting unions 'to establish contingency measures'

Gary Culliton | 18 March 2009

The HSE is seeking to hold an early meeting with all the health service trade unions to establish the nature of any industrial action they may take on 30th March next and the contingency measures that will be put in... Read more

GPs fear the ideas of March

Gary Culliton | 13 March 2009

A national meeting to which all 2,100 IMO GP members have been invited is to be held in Dublin, most likely on March 22, to consider mooted cuts of up to 16 per cent in practice income. The IMO fears... Read more

IMO brands HSE 'bullying and draconian'

Gary Culliton | 12 March 2009

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) called today for the immediate reversal of the decision by the HSE to introduce "selective and draconian cuts" which it has unilaterally imposed on Non Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs). The IMO also called for a... Read more

'Unreasonable' to refer doctors' dispute to Labour Court

Gary Culliton | 11 March 2009

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO)today said it is participating in discussions with the HSE under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) on proposals concerning the terms and conditions of junior hospital doctors members throughout the country. The HSE... Read more

NCHDs' allowances 'archaic' — Harney

Dara Gantly | 02 March 2009

The Minister for Health Mary Harney has described allowances worth €45 million paid to NCHDs for training, meals and living out as ‘archaic’. Her comments came as she confirmed that the Department of Health has requested that the HSE develop... Read more

HSE warns against Portiuncula strike

Gary Culliton | 27 February 2009

The HSE has said it is important to distinguish between the industrial relations and the disciplinary processes in the ongoing dispute at Portiuncula Hospital, Co Galway. Two assistant directors of nursing were suspended on full pay for disobeying instructions from... Read more

IMO may regain right to negotiate with Department of Health

Dara Gantly | 27 February 2009

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has committed to amending the Competition Act, which should allow meaningful contract negotiations to take place with the IMO. Minister Mary Coughlan told the Dáil that she intended to bring forward legislation during... Read more

HSE defers NCHD cuts so labour relations talks can take place

Gary Culliton | 27 February 2009

The Health Service Executive has deferred cuts which would have seen junior hospital doctors losing the equivalent of €10,000 each per year. This was to allow talks with the Irish Medical Organisation to commence at the Labour Relations Commission last... Read more

Labour market survey due this week — FÁS

Dara Gantly | 20 February 2009

Research analysing the labour market for 12 healthcare professions — including GPs, consultants and specialists in public health medicine — is due to be completed later this week. A draft of the new FÁS study, being carried out on behalf... Read more

Publication of new Bill this week sees GPs' fees cut by 8 per cent

June Shannon | 20 February 2009

The Government was due to outline details of how it aims to cut fees paid to a number of healthcare professionals by approximately 8 per cent — including general practitioners — with the publication of a new Bill on Thursday... Read more

Sick-day rates due to lack of army docs

Niamh Mullen | 20 February 2009

Fine Gael Spokesperson on Defence, Jimmy Deenihan TD, has blamed the shortage of military doctors for the high number of sick days taken by soldiers. Only 24 of the recommended 47 posts for military doctors are filled, and last year... Read more

HSE defers junior doctor cuts pending LRC talks

Gary Culliton | 19 February 2009

The HSE has deferred cuts due yesterday, which would have seen junior hospital doctors losing the equivalent of €10,000 each per year. This is to allow talks with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) to commence at the Labour Relations Commission... Read more

IMO may ballot on industrial action

Gary Culliton | 16 February 2009

More than 3,000 junior hospital doctors may be balloted on industrial action if plans to cut overtime and allowances go ahead. The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has slammed proposed cuts, which include unpaid meal breaks, removal of training grants and... Read more

Appeals of 67 consultants turned down

Gary Culliton | 16 February 2009

Sixty-seven public hospital consultants who sought changes to their State contracts have had their appeals refused. The changes would have enabled them to do work off-campus in private hospitals. A total of 108 consultants had appealed to independent adjudicator, Mr... Read more

Junior doctors to face cuts of at least €10,000 per year

Gary Culliton | 13 February 2009

Junior doctors face cuts worth around €10,000 each per year – and that is before recently announced overtime reductions. The cuts involve the €3,000 Living Out Allowance, the €1,200–€3,000 Diploma Degree Allowance, the €450 Post Graduate Medical and Dental Board... Read more

IMO considers strike action over cutbacks

Gary Culliton | 11 February 2009

The IMO has said it will consider industrial action over proposed Health Service Executive cutbacks, which would be in addition to the Government’s pension levy. A set of new measures is due to be implemented with effect from February 18.... Read more

More cost-containment measures to hit NCHDs

Gary Culliton | 11 February 2009

The HSE has sent a letter to the IMO on how cost-containment measures are due to affect NCHDs. The letter outlined the measures the Executive intends to take to reduce costs by E96 million as part of an overall reduction... Read more

Non-consultant doctors considering industrial action

Gary Culliton | 06 February 2009

The HSE has said it is disappointed that the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) should feel it necessary to consider embarking upon industrial action. The IMO has said it will consider industrial action over proposed HSE cutbacks, which would be on... Read more

Dentists want collective bargaining

Gary Culliton | 04 February 2009

The Government recently decided to amend the Competition Act to enable the Irish Medical Organisation to represent general practitioners in negotiations with the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health and Children. The same principle of partnership should be... Read more

INO says pensions levy 'unacceptable'

Gary Culliton | 04 February 2009

The Irish Nurses Organisation’s Executive Council has sought legal advice on the Government’s new pensions levy. The INO has not ruled out a legal challenge to any unilateral move by the Government to impose pay cuts if its legal advice... Read more

Report set to criticise flouting of NCHD working time limits

Dara Gantly | 30 January 2009

A comprehensive review of how the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) is being flouted across the EU is expected to be adopted by the European Commission next month. The first such application report on the Directive since 2000, the review... Read more

Week left to seek extension on NCHD working hours

Dara Gantly | 23 January 2009

The Department of Health has just over a week to inform the European Commission of its difficulties in meeting the August deadline of the 48-hour week for NCHDs, Irish Medical Times has learned. EU member states must inform the Commission... Read more

Target deadline is set for end of consultant appeals

Gary Culliton | 23 January 2009

Arbitrator Mr Tom Mallon SC has set a target date of January 24 for completion of an appeals process for over 90 consultants who are seeking to have their status changed from Category One to Category Two, under the old... Read more

INO 'won't enter talks which might reduce nurses' pay'

Gary Culliton | 19 January 2009

Legally, the Government cannot reduce the pay of individual nurses and midwives, the Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) has insisted.  The Union said it would be seeking clarification that reductions in pay would not be on the agenda for meetings between... Read more

Harney slams 'slow progress' on €72m contract, Clinical Directors

Gary Culliton | 04 December 2008

Health Minister Mary Harney has said she is “deeply concerned” at the slow rate of progress in implementing new HSE working arrangements. She added that there have been “no tangible benefits for patients.” No Clinical Directors have been appointed to... Read more

Labour Court says HSE West must consult union

Ian McGuinness | 04 December 2008

The HSE West breached the social partnership agreement, the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) has told the Labour Court. The row involved the transfer of a number of long-term patients to hostel facilities run by Rehab Care. The PNA said the... Read more

Contract now under threat

Gary Culliton | 28 November 2008

A logjam looms in the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) bid to roll out the new consultant contract, after a series of rows erupted between the Executive and the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA). The timetable for introducing the consultant contract... Read more

Premium pay for Saturday work

Ian McGuinness | 25 November 2008

The Bon Secours Hospital should pay its surgical day ward nurses premium rates for working on Saturdays to facilitate National Treatment Purchase Fund treatment, the Labour Court has said. The claim, made on the nurses’ behalf by the Irish Nurses... Read more

HSE delays decision on bonus for CEO

Dara Gantly | 21 November 2008

The Health Service Executive has again delayed the decision on whether to grant CEO Prof Brendan Drumm a controversial bonus pay award of a quarter of his annual salary. The Executive decided to pay senior staff bonuses worth a total... Read more

No response from IMO on medical cards

Ian McGuinness | 17 November 2008

The Irish Medical Organisation is still refusing to reveal its response to the Government’s decision to introduce a new fee to be paid to family doctors for all medical-card holders aged 70 or over. Last month’s report, drawn up by... Read more

Pay deals to cost the HSE €234 million

Dara Gantly | 10 November 2008

The full year cost of the 2.5 per cent pay increase under ‘Towards 2016’ to the HSE has been estimated at €189 million, with a further bill of €95 million looming to meet a 3.5 per cent pay award next... Read more

Junior docs can train while doing PhDs

Ian McGuinness | 07 November 2008

Junior doctors will be able to train to become a consultant while simultaneously conducting research to acquire a PhD, it has emerged. The initiative, which is being established by the Health Research Board (HRB) and the Health Service Executive (HSE),... Read more

Website vacancies are not being filled

Ian McGuinness | 06 November 2008

The Mental Health Comm-ission has said it is not actually recruiting consultant psychiatrists, even though its website states that there are vacancies for such doctors in relation to Mental Health Tribunals. A spokeswoman for the Commission said that the notification... Read more

CF positions remain to be created

Greg Baxter | 03 November 2008

Almost three years since ringfenced funding for cystic fibrosis services was first allocated by the State, only a portion of the 80 new planned CF posts have been created. Meanwhile, eight new interim beds that had been promised for CF... Read more

IMO considering €350 medical 'gold' cards fee cut

Gary Culliton | 30 October 2008

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO)'s GP Committee last night met to discuss a recommended €350 cut in the capitation payment for those who have qualified for medical cards on age grounds.The IMO may decide to ballot its 2,200 GPs on... Read more

IHCA seek meeting as Type A consultants deemed liable for tax

Gary Culliton | 17 October 2008

The IHCA has sought a meeting with the HSE, demanding clarification about a potential major new tax liability for Type A consultants, who are exclusively State-salaried. The HSE has also approached the Revenue Comissioners about the matter. Under the Finance... Read more

IMO to vote on partnerships

10 October 2008

Health has seen the largest jump in public service employees since the turn of the millennium, with a 38.8 per cent increase. In 2000, a total of 81,513 whole-time equivalents (WTEs) were employed in the health service. According to projected... Read more

Extended working day for HSE staff?

Ian McGuinness | 10 October 2008

Community nurses, pharmacists and administration and support staff are the next groups of workers for whom health employers want to implement an extended working day, one of the managements’ negotiators has said. The unions representing staff in the health service... Read more

HSE claims 70 per cent uptake of new contract

Dara Gantly | 06 October 2008

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has indicated that the acceptance rate of consultants signing up to new contracts is currently running at approximately 70 per cent. While this figure looks impressive, it includes a number of groups of consultants who... Read more

Labour Court rejects GP trainees’ claim for the same pay scale as SpRs

Ian McGuinness | 03 October 2008

A claim to put GP trainees on the same pay scale as specialist registrars has been rejected by the Labour Court. The case set the Irish Medical Organisation and the Health Service Executive Employers Agency against one another. The union... Read more

IBTS row moves to Labour Court

Ian McGuinness | 23 September 2008

A row between the IBTS and 150 donor attendants has ended up in the Labour Court. The IBTS wanted the attendants to use skills acquired in specific courses and it wanted to revise clinic opening times. SIPTU said the changes... Read more

NCHD overtime deleted

June Shannon | 12 September 2008

THE Irish Medical Organisation has raised serious concerns that management at Mayo General Hospital (MGH) has allegedly altered details of consultant-approved NCHD unrostered overtime on time-sheets and reworked them to reflect core hours only. The claim has been strongly refuted... Read more

Buckley contract makes new contract signings less likely

Greg Baxter | 15 August 2008

The decision to increase the salaries of emergency medicine consultants on the Buckley contract makes it less likely that doctors will sign up to the new contract, Irish Medical Times has been told. An arbitrator found that emergency medicine consultants... Read more

HSE investigating 64 complaints of alleged bullying, says Minister

Gary Culliton | 15 August 2008

There were a total of 64 cases of alleged bullying active in the HSE on 16 July, the Minister for Health revealed in a written response to Galway TD Ulick Burke. A total of 20 were in Dublin North East,... Read more

Wage muddle over HSE press position

By Terence Cosgrave | 15 August 2008

The Health Service Executive is seeking to recruit a new Media and Press Relations officer to replace Alex Connolly, the former holder of that position. No salary was given in the advertisement for the post but following an enquiry by... Read more

Court suggests end to dispute

By Ian McGuinness | 14 August 2008

The Labour Court has suggested a solution to a row relating to cleaning at St Brendan’s Hospital in Loughrea. SIPTU members, who are hospital attendants at the 128-bed geriatric facility, were informed by management that a dedicated cleaning team was... Read more

NCHDs asked about pay and conditions

By Ian McGuinness | 14 August 2008

Junior doctors are being asked to report to the Irish Medical Organisation if cutbacks in the health service are affecting their pay, entitlements or work conditions. The Chief Executive of the union, Mr George McNeice, has written to NCHDs to... Read more

HSE responds to dentists withdrawal from State scheme

Ian McGuinness | 13 August 2008

The Health Service Executive has said that the overall decrease in the number of dentists providing treatment to medical card patients is small, despite the Irish Dental Association announcing that 190 had withdrawn from the State-run scheme. The Association’s Chief... Read more

GPs asked their opinions of contract

Ian McGuinness | 08 August 2008

GPs are being asked in an Irish Medical Organisation survey whether they would take industrial action if the current GMS contract is not maintained or improved. The survey, which is ongoing, asks GPs if they would be prepared to do... Read more

Call from IHCA not to sign deal

Greg Baxter | 05 August 2008

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has urged its members not to sign new contracts until a new disagreement over pay is settled. The HSE-Employers Agency last week informed the IHCA that the Government’s decision to suspend Phases II and... Read more

Labour Relations Commission invites IMPACT and HSE to talks

By Ian McGuinness | 23 July 2008

The Labour Relations Commission has invited IMPACT and the Health Service Executive to talks on Thursday, the trade union has said. IMPACT, which represents a range of healthcare workers, said it would attend the talks, which aim to find a... Read more

Don't leave me this way

Barry O'Brien | 13 July 2008

Barry O'Brien on the importance of clarifying leave entitlements, especially maternity leave, as early as possible in a partnership. The issue of entitlement to leave is an emotive one for most people. Whether you are an employee, self employed, a... Read more

Oslizlok is new IHCA President

25 June 2008

A Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist in Crumlin has been elected president of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association. Dr Paul Oslizlok was elected this weekend. Dr Margo Wrigley, Consultant Psychiatrist, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, and Dr John O’Dea, Consultant Anaesthetist, Mid Western Regional... Read more

Maybe baby — women play the waiting game

Dr Nuala O'Farrell | 23 June 2008

Dr Nuala O'Farrell writes that women are torn between furthering their career and having a baby, hoping that they will still be fertile in their late 30s. Many successful young women nowadays find it difficult to choose the right time... Read more

Attacks on staff in North still a problem

Ian McGuinness | 21 June 2008

Despite the introduction of a zero tolerance campaign last June, the number of attacks on healthcare workers is still an issue in Northern Ireland. Attacks on healthcare workers has been raised as an issue of concern once more, this time... Read more

Court awards doctor €25,000

Ian McGuinness | 18 June 2008

A casualty consultant has been awarded €25,000 by the Labour Court because his employer did not tell him in writing why it gave him fixed term contracts for more than four years. Dr Muhammad Ghulam took a case against the... Read more

IMPACT told 100 full-time posts will be cut

By Ian McGuinness | 11 June 2008

The trade union IMPACT has claimed its members have been informed that the equivalent of 100 full-time posts are to be cut from the health services in the Dublin-Mid Leinster region. Mr Kevin Callinan, National Secretary of the union’s Health... Read more

Dublin weighting is heavy issue for HSE

Alan Deeley | 10 June 2008

Proposals for a Dublin Weighting Allowance are still live, according to the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA), which has welcomed a senior HSE official’s acknowledgement of the cost of living in Dublin as a ‘first’. HSE Assistant National Director, Mr Martin... Read more

Administrative action could seriously affect HSE activities

Ian McGuinness | 10 June 2008

Ian McGuinness on IMPACT's decision to withhold a range of statistics from the HSE and the effect that this administrative action might have. IMPACT’s ongoing industrial action in the health services is not grabbing a huge amount of headlines but... Read more

IMPACT warns HSE from taking action against its members

By Ian McGuinness | 06 June 2008

The trade union IMPACT has warned the Health Service Executive not to take action against its members, who will be extending their industrial action from Monday, 9 June. On that date, IMPACT members are to refuse to provide a range... Read more

Crucial statistics denied to HSE as industrial action moves up a gear

Ian McGuinness | 06 June 2008

The trade union IMPACT is expanding its industrial action by refusing to send crucial statistics to the Health Service Executive (HSE). A union spokesperson told Irish Medical Times that as of Monday, 9 June, its members will not provide information... Read more

35-hour working week is ruled too dear to implement

Ian McGuinness | 05 June 2008

An attempt by the trade union SIPTU to get a 35-hour working week for its members in the health service has failed, after the Labour Court was told that such a move would cost €144 million per year. SIPTU pursued... Read more

IMO consultants vote in favour of contract

By Ian McGuinness | 04 June 2008

Irish Medical Organisation consultants have voted in favour of the revised consultant contract by a margin of just over two to one. Sixty-eight per cent of the union’s consultant members voted to accept the new document, while 71 per cent... Read more

South Tipperary hit by staff shortages

By Ian McGuinness | 04 June 2008

Ten beds are to be closed in South Tipperary General Hospital for three months because of staff shortages, the trade union IMPACT has claimed. It said that staff at the hospital were informed that annual leave during the summer period... Read more

Island nurses get special allowance

Ian McGuinness | 29 May 2008

The trade union representing public health nurses has received a positive result from a Labour Court case taken on the nurses’ behalf. The Irish Nurses Organis-ation (INO) took a case claiming that public health nurses, who are on call for... Read more

Overseas docs go to Justice for visas

Alan Deeley | 29 May 2008

The Department of Health’s non-intervention in visa rights for non-EU doctors working in Ireland has forced negotiators to go directly to the Department of Justice. The current visa system has created difficulties for a cohort of doctors that make up... Read more

High Court finds in favour of pharmacist

Ian McGuinness | 28 May 2008

Another pharmacist has been granted an injunction from the High Court to stop the HSE from changing his contract, the cause of a six-month dispute between both parties. The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the decision, granted to pharmacist... Read more

IMO holds two votes on revised contract

Ian McGuinness | 22 May 2008

Two separate ballots on the terms of the proposed revised consultant contract are being held by the Irish Medical Organisation. Last week, the IMO’s Consultant Committee decided to conduct a ballot, but did not make a recommendation to accept or... Read more

Impact to take industrial action in protest against HSE

Ian McGuinness | 20 May 2008

The trade union IMPACT has said it is taking industrial action this week in order to protest against the Health Service Executive’s recruitment freeze and to demand the implementation of more than 40 agreements. The union said almost 28,000 of... Read more

Ballot for deal to be decided soon

Ian McGuinness | 15 May 2008

Irish Medical Organisation consultants will decide this week whether or not to arrange a ballot on the current terms of the consultant contract. If the union’s Consultant Committee decides to proceed with a ballot it will also recommend to IMO... Read more

Contract changed to open job opportunities

Ian McGuinness | 14 May 2008

Doctors applying for new consultant posts under the revised contract are concerned that the structure of the competition could prevent them from getting some of the jobs, the Irish Medical Organisation has said. Mr Fintan Hourihan, Director of Industrial Relations... Read more

New plan for NCHD training?

Ian McGuinness | 10 May 2008

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has said they are in talks with various bodies to draw up the first ever training plan document for NCHDs, which they hope to present to the Irish Medical Organisation later this month. Mr John... Read more

Ambulance service is 44 short of key personnel

Ian McGuinness | 10 May 2008

The ambulance service in the Health Service Executive West region is 44 personnel short of the staff complement it needs, the Labour Court heard. The trade union SIPTU told the Court that the HSE was employing private companies and agency... Read more

Doctor wins right to contract

Ian McGuinness | 09 May 2008

Another Irish doctor has has won a contract of indefinite duration after the Labour Court overturned the findings of a Rights Commissioner. Dr Rahim Arefi was employed by the former South Eastern Health Board from 2000 to 2003. Following that,... Read more

Minister says both sides should attend LRC in psychiatric nurses dispute

Ian McGuinness | 08 May 2008

The Minister for Health, Mary Harney, has said management and unions should attend talks at the Labour Relations Commission tomorrow, which are aimed at finding a resolution to the dispute behind the ongoing industrial action by psychiatric nurses. The Minister... Read more

Pharmacists suspend plans to withdraw from drug schemes

Sandra Ryan | 01 May 2008

The Irish Pharmacy Union has asked pharmacists to suspend their plans to withdraw from the community drugs schemes after an agreement was reached last night with the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Union said they are particularly pleased that the... Read more

Rostering, hours and locums are focus in talks

Ian McGuinness | 01 May 2008

Rostering, working hours and locum cover will be the IMO’s main focus in the ongoing NCHD contract negotiations. Mr Fintan Hourihan, Director of Industrial Relations with the IMO, said that while these issues will be the main ones, pay will... Read more

IMO welcomes back Connaughton to talks

Ian McGuinness | 29 April 2008

The Irish Medical Organisation has said it is pleased that the former chairman of the consultant contract talks, Mr Mark Connaughton, has become involved in ongoing attempts to resolve outstanding issues. Mr Fintan Hourihan, IMO Director of Industrial Relations, explained... Read more

HSE to discuss website failure with IMO

Gary Culliton | 25 April 2008

The HSE is to enter into a process of non-binding arbitration with the IMO on the subject of the www.mygp.ie website on 28 April. This arbitration aims to address the IMO’s and HSE’s ‘mutual concerns’ regarding the currently defunct website.... Read more

Doctors ignore working limits

Greg Baxter | 24 April 2008

Young doctors choose to ignore limited working hours imposed for their own safety, and that is happening in places where efforts are being made to reduce hours under the European Working Time Directive, the Vice Dean of Medical Education at... Read more

Doctors ignore working limits

Greg Baxter | 24 April 2008

Consultants will only vote on agreed contract

Greg Baxter | 24 April 2008

Consultants will not be asked to vote on a document that is not fully agreed upon, the Assistant Secretary General of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has told Irish Medical Times. The decision to recommend the contract to members... Read more

No allowance in Dingle for Irish

Ian McGuinness | 22 April 2008

Gaeltacht allowances for nurses should be discussed at a national level, the Labour Court has recommended. It made the suggestion while adjudicating on a row between the Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) and Dingle Community Hospital recently. During submissions to the... Read more

Hourihan leaves IMO for dentists

15 April 2008

Mr Fintan Hourihan is leaving his position with the Irish Medical Organisation in June. The Director of Industrial Relations with the trade union is to take up the position of Chief Executive of the Irish Dental Association. The IDA represents... Read more

Hopes high for new contract by next week

Greg Baxter | 11 April 2008

The Secretary General of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) told Irish Medical Times he hopes to bring an agreed contract before a vote by members by the end of next week. Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick said significant points of detail... Read more

The IMO wants matters sorted by next week

Ian McGuinness | 11 April 2008

The Irish Medical Organis-ation has said it wants the outstanding matters in the consultant contract talks to be dealt with by next week. Mr Fintan Hourihan - who is leaving the IMO shortly to become the new CEO of the... Read more

Rallying call to consultants

Ian McGuinness | 08 April 2008

A rallying call has been made for more consultants, including surgeons, to speak out against the stripping of services from local hospitals. Dr Henry Finnegan, a prominent Galway GP, made the comments after the Irish Medical Organisation debated two motions... Read more

HSE appoints 2,679 staff in 2007

08 April 2008

The Health Service Executive appointed 2,679 full-time staff in 2007, according to the Commission for Public Service Appointments. The Commission’s 2007 Annual Report showed that 371 management positions and 993 nursing positions were filled last year. There were 490 new... Read more

Proposal for new medical grade fails

Sandra Ryan | 04 April 2008

A proposal from a number of non-EU doctors asking the IMO to consider the introduction of a medical staff grade in Irish hospitals received criticism and was referred to the IMO Council, due to concern over what it might mean... Read more

Doctors should be able to work past retirement

Sandra Ryan | 04 April 2008

The IMO wants greater flexibility for GPs who are about to retire, to allow them to choose to continue working past the current fixed retirement age of 65 or 70. Doctors who reach official retirement age are told they must... Read more

IMO willing to take legal action on GP contract

Sandra Ryan | 03 April 2008

The IMO is willing to take legal and industrial action if progress is not made on a new GP contract, which has been delayed over the confusion about the State’s ability to negotiate with GPs directly on fees under Competition... Read more

HSE power 'against natural justice'

Sandra Ryan | 03 April 2008

The Health Service Executive (HSE) came under severe criticism at last weekend’s IMO AGM in Killarney, with CEO Mr George McNeice saying it was against natural justice to give such power to a monopoly. “Isolating groups, issuing diktats, leaving employees... Read more

Draft consultant contract delay

Ian McGuinness | 03 April 2008

The Irish Medical Organ-isation and the Minister for Health are still at loggerheads over the draft consultant contract document, which was given to the union by the employers’ side last week. Mr Fintan Hourihan, Director of Industrial Relations with the... Read more

Questions over Harney's future as Taoiseach resigns

Greg Baxter | 02 April 2008

The Irish Medical Organisation is prepared to work in partnership with any Minister for Health, whether or not the Taoiseach’s resignation in May jeopardises Ms Mary Harney’s position. IMO President Dr Martin Daly speculated that the resignation of Bertie Ahern... Read more

Speech warns of lingering bitterness

Sandra Ryan | 02 April 2008

In his first address to colleagues as President of the IMO, Dr Martin Daly warned of a crisis looming in the profession because of the “dearth of relationship building and complete dissociation of goodwill on both sides about the delivery... Read more

GPs closing patient lists

Sandra Ryan | 02 April 2008

GPs around the country are reacting to the pressures of under-funding and a shortage of doctors by withdrawing services and closing their practices to new patients. Dozens of general practices in the northeast are among many that have closed their... Read more

Mentally ill face 'discrimination' in accessing nursing homes

Ian McGuinness | 29 March 2008

Elderly and mentally-ill patients are suffering 'petty discrimination' in getting access to nursing homes, a prominent psychiatrist has told the Irish Medical Organisation's Annual General Meeting. Dr Siobhan Barry said that while other inpatients in general hospitals can avail of... Read more

Gardaí criticised for failing to protect medics from assaults

Ian McGuinness | 28 March 2008

The Garda Síochána has been criticised for its failure to enforce legislation that protects doctors from assaults. Consultant psychiatrist, Dr Siobhán Barry, told the Irish Medical Organisation’s Annual General Meeting in Killarney that Section 185 of the Criminal Justice Act... Read more

Injured doctors to get compensation?

Ian McGuinness | 28 March 2008

The compensation scheme available to nurses who are injured due to violence in the workplace could be rolled out to other professionals in the health service, the Health Service Executive Employers Agency has said. Mr Brendan Mulligan, Assistant Chief Executive... Read more

Not known yet if GPs can negotiate collectively

Ian McGuinness | 28 March 2008

The Department of Health is still in consultation with the Attorney General over whether or not it can negotiate with the IMO on a collective basis about payments made to GPs under the Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme. Irish Medical Times... Read more

Emigrant doctors should ask for break

Ian McGuinness | 28 March 2008

Doctors who are planning to leave Ireland this summer for career purposes have been encouraged to apply to the HSE for a career break, in order to protect their pension rights. The Irish Medical Organisation said that any doctor who... Read more

IPU welcomes High Court decision over HSE drug payment

Sandra Ryan | 28 March 2008

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the decision of the High Court to grant an injunction preventing the Health Service Executive (HSE) from reducing drug payments to Limerick pharmacist Niall O’Sullivan. Mr O’Sullivan took the action as he believes... Read more

Drumm should get four salaries to save the HSE

Gary Culliton | 28 March 2008

A corporate troubleshooter has launched a scathing attack on the way the Health Service Executive is run, saying the HSE needs to quadruple the salary of its Chief Executive if the problems of the Irish health system are to be... Read more

Crown and Hardiman campaign for 'decent health service'

By Ian McGuinness | 19 March 2008

Dr Orla Hardiman and Prof John Crown are among nine people due to speak at a march and rally in Dublin, which is taking place as part of the ‘Campaign for a Decent Public Health Service’. The event, which is... Read more

IMO AGM to advocate for patients

Ian McGuinness | 19 March 2008

Ian McGuinness reports on the upcoming IMO AGM and the call of Mr Sean Tierney to the HSE to 'treat patients, treat patients, treat patients'. The vast majority of motions to be debated before this year’s Irish Medical Organisation Annual... Read more

Non-Irish nationals more like to suffer eye injuries

Ian McGuinness | 13 March 2008

Workers from the 10 European Union Accession States were five times more likely than Irish-born people to suffer an eye injury, according to a study carried out at Waterford Regional Hospital. The research, carried out by ophthalmology registrar, Dr Ayman... Read more

New HSE demand was not negotiated

Ian McGuinness | 12 March 2008

The HSE wants to prevent consultants from doing private practice work when they are rostered to be on call for a public hospital, according to the Irish Medical Organisation. Mr Fintan Hourihan, Director of Industrial Relations with the IMO, said... Read more

Hospital holds firm on decision to close clinic

Terence Cosgrave | 05 March 2008

The Irish Medical Organisation has had discussions with the Board of Management of the Orthopaedic Hospital of Ireland in Clontarf about its decision to close down the world-famous venus compression therapy based there, but so far the Board has refused... Read more

Pharmacists commit to keep dispensing

Sandra Ryan | 05 March 2008

Pharmacists have been asked by their union to keep on dispensing medicines to their patients this week, following their planned protest over the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) plans to decrease payments to the group, which were implemented on 1 March.... Read more

Pharmacies closed today?

Sandra Ryan | 04 March 2008

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has warned that pharmacy services may be disrupted today (Wednesday March 5), while a Special General Meeting of the union is held in Dublin to discuss the ‘implications of the HSE’s failure to negotiate contractual... Read more

€245 per hour pay rise

Gary Culliton | 29 February 2008

A leading health economist has criticised the recently-agreed consultants’ contract, saying that it will not result in any extra hours being worked or in any extra productivity, and that the impact on patients will be a negative one. Under the... Read more

Eighty-three days of talking for contract

Ian McGuinness | 20 February 2008

Two thousand hours (or the equivalent of 83 days) were spent in consultant common contract negotiations by the end of last year, the Chief Executive of the Irish Medical Organisation has said. Mr George McNeice gave the figure in the... Read more

Contract details to be complete by end of week

Ian McGuinness | 19 February 2008

Agreement on the consultant contract is not unravelling and it is expected that a composite document on its details will be completed by the end of this week, the Health Service Executive Employers Agency (HSE EA) has said. Mr Gerry... Read more

Taoiseach is quizzed on GMS pharmacy plans

19 February 2008

Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny questioned the Taoiseach last week about his contingency plans for the provision of medicines to people with medical cards, in the event of a withdrawal from the GMS by community pharmacists after 1 March. “There... Read more

IMO yet to decide on contract vote

Ian McGuinness | 13 February 2008

The Irish Medical Organisation has not decided whether it should recommend that its members vote in favour of the recently-negotiated consultant contract. Mr Fintan Hourihan, Director of Industrial Relations with the IMO, explained that a contract document has not even... Read more

Pay must reflect world realities

Greg Baxter | 13 February 2008

Consultant pay packages must reflect the market reality that top talent will be lost if the money is not attractive enough, the Secretary General of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) told Irish Medical Times. Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick said Irish... Read more

Academics get less pay in new contract

Ian McGuinness | 13 February 2008

Academic consultants are to being offered less of a pay increase if they transfer to their proposed new contract, than if they stay with their existing one, the Irish Medical Organisation has said. Mr Fintan Hourihan, Director of Industrial Relations... Read more

Enright accuses HSE of ‘doublespeak’

12 February 2008

Fine Gael Laois/Offaly Deputy Olwyn Enright has accused the HSE of “bureaucratic doublespeak” on the cancellation of staff contracts at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore. “For almost a week, I have met a bureaucratic brick wall in the HSE... Read more

Row over rates for emergency techs

Ian McGuinness | 12 February 2008

The Health Service Exec-utive and SIPTU are involved in a row over how much should be paid to emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who have received advanced paramedic training. During discussions between the HSE and SIPTU it was agreed that an... Read more

No guarantees on back-up staff for hospitals

Ian McGuinness | 07 February 2008

Will there be the support staff for doctors if a new consultant contract is agreed? Ian McGuinness talks to unions representing health workers... Read more

IMO requests meeting on EWTD implementation

By Ian McGuinness | 06 February 2008

The Irish Medical Organisation has requested a meeting with high-ranking HSE personnel before the union’s NCHD committee discusses this month whether or not to pull out of contract talks and the National Implementation Group. Mr Fintan Hourihan, Director of Industrial... Read more

Nurses’ fears in acute settings

By Ian McGuinness | 06 February 2008

Psychiatric nurses may not be able to work in acute settings within the next six weeks because of health and safety issues and the failure of a compensation scheme, says the Psychiatric Nurses’ Association.... Read more

IMO pledges talks support

Ian McGuinness | 06 February 2008

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) is still available to discuss the roll-out of the cervical screening programme throughout Ireland, despite the recent breakdown in talks on the matter, a union representative has said. Dr Martin Daly, chairman of its GP... Read more

Internal progress in contract negotiations

By Greg Baxter | 06 February 2008

A new consultant contract will be drawn up by consultants and the Health Service Executive (HSE), rather than by a third party, Irish Medical Times has learned.... Read more

North-east doctors rebel on cuts

Sandra Ryan | 06 February 2008

Over 300 doctors in the north-east will attend a meeting called to urgently discuss the Health Service Executive (HSE) plans to cut hospital services from the region, revealed in a leaked private document. Despite the document stating that the HSE... Read more

HSE blames IMO for failure to implement EWTD

Ian McGuinness | 01 February 2008

The Health Service Executive Employers Agency has blamed the Irish Medical Organisation for blocking the roll-out of projects that could implement the European Working Time Directive (EWTD). The comments were made after the Chairman of the IMO’s NCHD Committee, Dr... Read more

HSE and unions in talks to extend core working day of health workers

Ian McGuinness | 01 February 2008

Talks are due to begin this week between the HSE and trade unions about an extended core working day for a variety of health service workers. Mr Brendan Mulligan, Assistant Chief Executive Officer in Industrial Relations for the Health Service... Read more

NCHD committee face tough call

Ian McGuinness | 01 February 2008

A meeting is expected to take place soon between senior officials in the Irish Medical Organisation and the Health Service Executive because the union’s NCHD Committee is on the cusp of taking action that would have fairly serious consequences for... Read more

Issues still to be resolved in consultant contract

Ian McGuinness | 01 February 2008

Pay, pensions, the monitoring of private practise levels, and Medical Council registration were among the issues that the Irish Medical Organisation said still had to be resolved in contract talks earlier this week. Mr Fintan Hourihan, Director of Industrial Relations... Read more

No changes to GP contract without talks

Sandra Ryan | 01 February 2008

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has warned the Health Service Executive (HSE) that they will not accept any changes to the current GP contract without extensive negotiation and consultation. “The HSE seem to have taken the view that they will... Read more

Staff should get four payments per patient

Ian McGuinness | 25 January 2008

Forty-two radiographers at University College Hospital, Galway, should receive more money for each scannogram they do on a patient, the Labour Court has said. The Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) represented the workers and argued that the radiographers... Read more

Ruling aids HSE case

Ian McGuinness | 25 January 2008

The Health Service Executive Employers Agency (HSE EA) has said a Labour Court ruling on overtime helps its position on rosters in the NCHD contract talks. Mr Brendan Mulligan, Assistant Chief Executive Officer in Industrial Relations with the Agency said:... Read more

'Crunch week' for consultants

Greg Baxter | 25 January 2008

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) is prepared to continue consultant contract talks despite reports that management has called this week “crunch week”. IHCA Secretary General Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick told Irish Medical Times that while the Association urgently wants an... Read more

56-hour week for NCHDs

Ian McGuinness | 25 January 2008

The Irish Medical Organisation may be on the brink of pulling out of NCHD contract talks with the National Implementation Group (NIG), which is responsible for implementing the European Working Time Directive (EWTD). It has also emerged that, in such... Read more

'Crunch week' for consultants

Greg Baxter | 25 January 2008

Service staff in row over curtain removal

Ian McGuinness | 11 January 2008

A row over hospital curtains at Mallow General Hospital has ended up in the Labour Court. The Health Service Executive South and the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union (SIPTU) clashed over who should remove 90 curtains, two times a year,... Read more

'Final throw of dice' says IHCA in talks on consultant contract

Greg Baxter & Ian McGuinness | 11 January 2008

Consultant contract talks will resume for a fortnight in what the Secretary General of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has called a “final throw of the dice”. Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick said the IHCA’s negotiating group will meet this week... Read more

HSE unions asked to extend day

Ian McGuinness | 11 January 2008

Every trade union in the health service has been contacted for talks on an extended working day, which could run from 8 am to 8 pm. Mr Brendan Mulligan, Assistant Chief Executive Officer for Industrial Relations with the HSE Employers... Read more

HSE move in talks

Ian McGuinness | 04 January 2008

Health employers have agreed to address locum cover for NCHDs and the working hours of pregnant junior doctors in the plenary session of contact talks, according to the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO). Dr John Morris, Chairman of the IMO NCHD... Read more

Talks turn to new jobs

Ian McGuinness & Greg Baxter | 14 December 2007

Attempts are being made to broker an agreement that would allow consultants to be recruited while common contract talks are ongoing, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has said. Mr Fintan Hourihan, IMO Director of Industrial Relations, said any such arrangement... Read more

No draft GP contract prepared for talks

Ian McGuinness | 14 December 2007

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has recently told the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) that there is still no draft GP contract ready for negotiations, Dr Martin Daly has said. The IMO GP Committee Chairman made the statement after remarks made... Read more

Nurses get flexible leave

Ian McGuinness | 14 December 2007

About 1100 nursing staff at Cork University Hospital (CUH) have won a Labour Court recommendation that their union’s proposals on parental leave should be accepted by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Under the existing scheme, when the Irish Nurses Organisation... Read more

Contract terms will be upheld on locum cover

Ian McGuinness | 07 December 2007

Employers have confirmed to the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) that they will abide by the conditions on locum cover contained in the 1997 NCHD contract, Mr Fintan Hourihan has said. The union’s Director of Industrial Relations said the IMO’s NCHD... Read more

Proposal on junior doctor hours was not rejected

Ian McGuinness | 30 November 2007

The Health Service Executive Employers Agency has not rejected proposals on reduced working hours for pregnant NCHDs, it has said. Mr John Delamere, Senior Industrial Relations/Human Resources Executive with the Agency, was replying to statements made by the Irish Medical... Read more

Resolution to talks rests on locum cover provision

Ian McGuinness | 30 November 2007

Ian McGuinness reports that the IMO is eager to arrive at an agreement on locum provision for NCHDs, but talks have resulted in very little progress being made on that front The junior doctor contract talks are in trouble and... Read more

IMO did not ask for €250k

Greg Baxter & Ian McGuinness | 23 November 2007

The Irish Medical Organisation did not suggest that consultants should be paid €250,000, its director of industrial relations has said. Mr Fintan Hourihan, part of the negotiating team for the union, said the IMO did not put this figure forward... Read more

Beaumont challenged on overtime promise

Ian McGuinness | 23 November 2007

The Irish Medical Organisation has challenged Beaumont Hospital’s version of an agreement which led to threatened industrial action being called off by NCHDs. Mr Fintan Hourihan, Director of Industrial Relations, told Irish Medical Times that all unrostered, consultant-approved overtime for... Read more

Employers used 'offensive language' in documents

Ian McGuinness | 16 November 2007

The employers’ side is not trying hard enough to bring the consultant contract talks to a successful conclusion, according to the Irish Medical Organisation. Mr Fintan Hourihan, the IMO Director of Industrial Relations, said there is serious concern about the... Read more

NCHD overtime row is settled

Ian McGuinness | 16 November 2007

The row over consultant-approved overtime for NCHDs at Beaumont Hospital appears to have been resolved, according to the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO). The union had alleged that payments to junior doctors, for overtime work approved by consultants, was being cut.... Read more

Allegations of collusion denied outright by IMO

Ian McGuinness | 16 November 2007

The Chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation’s GP committee has said he understands GPs are frustrated at the stalled contract talks but he added the union is not in league with their employers to delay them. Last week five GPs... Read more

Pilot is likely to be chosen on cost-basis

Ian McGuinness | 09 November 2007

The HSE wants to cherry-pick European Working Time Directive pilot projects according to how much they cost, it has been claimed. The Irish Medical Organisation said the Health Service Executive Employers Agency (HSE EA) is objecting to certain pilot projects... Read more

Monaghan nurses– underpaid for years

Ian McGuinness | 09 November 2007

Nurses have been underpaid for night shift duty for nearly 40 years at Monaghan General Hospital, a trade union has claimed. The allegation was made by the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) in a dispute between it and... Read more

Court awards HSE former employee €3,000 in damages

Ian McGuinness | 09 November 2007

The Health Service Executive North Eastern (HSE NE) region has been told it must pay a former co-ordinator of Traveller health services €3,000 for what the Labour Court said was the “flawed manner” in which that worker was dismissed. The... Read more

Breaking pay deadlock rests with the chairman

Ian McGuinness | 09 November 2007

The Chairman of the consultant contract talks is attempting to resolve the crucial issue of pay, instead of it going to a third party, it has emerged. Mr Mark Connaughton is trying to resolve the matter in talks with the... Read more

Proof of NCHD work problems given to EA

Ian McGuinness | 09 November 2007

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has written to the Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive Employers Agency (HSE EA), Mr Gerry Barry, to inform him about specific problems surrounding locums and overtime for junior doctors. Mr Fintan Hourihan, Director... Read more

Pay issue needs speedy resolution

Ian McGuinness | 02 November 2007

The issue of pay will have to be tackled in the consultant contract talks “very shortly,” the Health Service Executive Employers Agency (HSE EA) has said. Mr Gerard Barry, Chief Executive of the HSE EA, told Irish Medical Times: “The... Read more

HSE says cover is there for NCHDs

Ian McGuinness | 02 November 2007

The Health Service Executive Employers Agency (HSE EA) has said that it is not aware of specific instances of pregnant, sick or overworked non-consultant hospital doctors not being provided with locum cover. When asked about the Irish Medical Organisation’s (IMO)... Read more

IHCA talks finally get to money

Greg Baxter | 02 November 2007

The issue of pay has been directly mentioned in consultant contract talks for the first time, the Secretary General of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has told Irish Medical Times. Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick said the IHCA set out the... Read more

HSE did not discriminate against doctor

Ian McGuinness | 26 October 2007

The Health Service Executive (HSE) did not discriminate against a doctor who unsuccessfully applied for a post as a consultant anaesthetist, an Equality Tribunal has found. Dr Padraig Sheeran claimed that HSE West discriminated against him on the grounds of... Read more

Public hospitals will face Christmas crisis over locum shortage

Greg Baxter | 26 October 2007

Public hospitals could face a crisis in December as a result of the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) non-provision of locum cover, as NCHDs are threatening to use all their annual leave before the end of the year, Irish Medical Times... Read more

Work rule may disrupt maternity services

Ian McGuinness | 26 October 2007

Restricting the private practice of maternity hospital consultants to 20 per cent of their workload will have immediate implications, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has warned. The union’s Director of Industrial Relations, Mr Fintan Hourihan, said the issue was raised... Read more

Therapists' dispute impacts development

Ian McGuinness | 26 October 2007

Further delays in deciding how much family therapists should be paid could jeopardise the development of the profession in the Republic, the trade union IMPACT has warned. It made the statement during a submission to the Labour Court in relation... Read more

Have we reached the final hurdle?

Ian McGuinness | 19 October 2007

Consultant contract negotiations have been dragging on for years and there may be more to come yet. Nonetheless, earlier this month the Chairman of the negotiations, Mr Mark Connaughton issued his final report to both sides. So what does his... Read more

Contract talks continue without mediation

Greg Baxter | 19 October 2007

Consultants and management will meet for contract talks without mediation for the first time since 1997 following the decision by independent talks Chairman Mr Mark Connaughton to distance himself from negotiations. While Mr Connaughton continues to be available for finalisation... Read more

HSE cuts drug mark-up

Sandra Ryan | 12 October 2007

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has criticised pharmacists for threatening to pull out of drug payment schemes after the recent decision to reform the way they are reimbursed by the State for buying drugs. From December, pharmacies will no longer... Read more

The IMO may sue HSE managers

Ian McGuinness | 12 October 2007

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has warned the Health Service Executive (HSE) that it will take legal action against individual members of management if sick and pregnant NCHDs have to work because a lack of locum cover. Mr Fintan Hourihan,... Read more

Consultative committee will be formed by the HSE

Ian McGuinness | 12 October 2007

Health service management have confirmed it will immediately establish a consultative committee to fill the vacuum left by the dissolution of Comhairle na nOspidéal, it has emerged. The final report from the Chairman of the consultant contract talks, Mr Mark... Read more

Hopes fade as contract progress slows

Greg Baxter | 05 October 2007

Progress in contract talks has slowed and an agreement by the target of 6 October is unlikely, the Secretary General of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) told Irish Medical Times. Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick said talks chairman Mr Mark Connaughton... Read more

Management is to hold firm on consultant pay

Ian McGuinness | 05 October 2007

Management do not intend to make a further proposal in relation to pay in the consultant contract talks, Irish Medical Times has been told. IMT was informed that management are “not of a mood to make any further offers”. However,... Read more

IHCA returns to talks

Greg Baxter | 28 September 2007

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) returns to bilateral contract talks this week as disagreements over working hours and remuneration issues threatened to draw all sides once again into a stalemate. The IHCA released a statement outlining management’s position on... Read more

IHCA group to assess talks' progress

Greg Baxter | 21 September 2007

The contract negotiating group of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) will meet this week to discuss progress on talks, the Association’s Assistant General Secretary told Irish Medical Times. Mr Donal Duffy said the group would evaluate its position on... Read more

Gag clause is a hurdle in the consultant talks

Greg Baxter | 14 September 2007

The Health Service Executive (HSE) wants to make it impossible for doctors to criticise the institutions they work for, as part of the new consultant contract. However, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) said it will defend the right of... Read more

HSE pays out compensation

Ian McGuinness | 31 August 2007

Compensation has been trebled to more than €12,000 by the Labour Court, for a worker who the Health Service Executive (HSE) admitted to discriminating against. The facts of the case were not disputed by the HSE or the worker. The... Read more

Nursing post set to go to arbitration

Ian McGuinness | 10 August 2007

A row over a director of nursing post not being refilled at Rock Hospital in Ballyshannon, Donegal should be referred to the Health Service National Joint Council, the Labour Court has recommended. The previous director of nursing retired from the... Read more

Consultant contract talks reach decision time

Greg Baxter | 10 August 2007

Bilateral discussions on a new consultant common contract have concluded. Mr Mark Connaughton, the talks chairman, met separately with employers’ and consultants’ representatives during that phase of the process. Mr Connaughton is now expected to recall both sides at the... Read more

Conditions of 1986 junior doctor contract still stands- Morris

Ian McGuinness | 03 August 2007

The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) would agree with the Irish Medical Organisation’s stance that NCHDs are still entitled to locum cover as provided under the 1986 junior doctor contract, the Chairman of the union’s NCHD Committee has said. Dr John... Read more

Performance incentives rejected by consultants

Greg Baxter | 27 July 2007

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has rejected the concept of performance incentives in the contract negotiations, calling them inappropriate, Irish Medical Times has been told. Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick, Secretary General of the IHCA, said the proposal by the Minister... Read more

Managers' imperative to provide locum cover

Ian McGuinness | 20 July 2007

The Labour Relations Commission agrees with the Irish Medical Organisation about employers’ obligations to providing locums. Dr John Morris, the IMO NCHD Committee Chairman, said: “What we have we hold. Current arrangements, as we have since 1986, stand.” He said... Read more

Progress in the NCHD blood disease dispute

Ian McGuinness | 20 July 2007

Junior doctor talks are on the verge of a breakthrough on blood borne diseases, according to the Chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation’s NCHD Committee, Dr John Morris. The Galway-based GP trainee said: “Hopefully we are on the brink of... Read more

Pay increases unsure if contract talks fail

Ian McGuinness | 13 July 2007

It is unclear whether, or when, GPs can claim a bench-marking pay increase, if primary care contract negotiations fail to reach an agreement. The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) recently pointed out that, according to the separate June 2005 agreement reached... Read more

IHCA set to 'tease out' issues before negotiations begin

Greg Baxter | 13 July 2007

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) will meet contract talks chairman Mr Mark Connaughton in bilateral discussions three times in July and possibly again in August, the Secretary General of the IHCA told Irish Medical Times. Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick said... Read more

IHCA to begin bilateral contract discussions

Greg Baxter | 06 July 2007

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) is set to meet contract talks chairman Mr Mark Connaughton this week and begin bilateral discussions next week. IHCA Secretary General Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick told Irish Medical Times that he expected bilateral meetings to... Read more

Roster dispute ends up in Labour Court

Ian McGuinness | 06 July 2007

A row over rosters at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire ended up in the Labour Court. The court recommended an independent expert should assist in immediate talks to resolve the dispute. The row involved 34 healthcare assistants, who... Read more

Less hours for pregnant NCHDs

Ian McGuinness | 29 June 2007

Junior doctors’ representatives are looking for exemptions for pregnant NCHDs so they do not have to do on-call work from the 24th week of their pregnancy and do not have more than 10 hours a day from their 28th week... Read more

HSE cleared after discrimination claim

Ian McGuinness | 29 June 2007

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been cleared by the Labour Court of discriminating against a male employee who accused it of discrimination on the grounds of gender and age. The 34-year-old sessional pharmacist, who was employed by the HSE... Read more

New contract to be agreed by October

Greg Baxter | 22 June 2007

A new hospital consultant contract can be agreed by October, when the Minister for Health addresses the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) AGM, according to the Association’s Secretary General. Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick has expressed optimism about negotiations. Delaying industrial action... Read more

Unions reject a two-tier health service

Greg Baxter | 22 June 2007

Health services in the community should be free at the point of contact, the Assistant Secretary General of the trade union IMPACT told the 4th National Healthcare Summit in Dublin. Mr Robbie Ryan said his union wanted to ensure that... Read more

HSEEA and IHCA clash over consultant contract talks

Greg Baxter | 22 June 2007

The Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive Employers Agency (HSE EA) and the Assistant General Secretary of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) clashed publicly over whether money was an issue in consultant contract negotiations. Speaking on a panel... Read more

Court makes decision in favour of managers

Ian McGuinness | 22 June 2007

The Labour Court has made two recommendations in favour of health management in the ongoing row over public health doctors’ pay and a proposed out-of-hours service. The court rejected the Irish Medical Organisation’s claim for a 7.5 per cent pay... Read more

Threat to refer junior doctors is withdrawn

Ian McGuinness | 22 June 2007

Health management has withdrawn the threat that it will refer junior doctors to the Medical Council if they do not take up posts that they are offered, according to the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO). Mr Fintan Hourihan, director of industrial... Read more

IMO rubbishes HSE claim over EWTD

Ian McGuinness | 22 June 2007

A Health Service Executive (HSE) claim that up to 70 per cent of junior doctors’ working hours are compliant with the European Working Time Directive has been rejected by the Irish Medical Organisation. The doctors’ union said only a tiny... Read more

NCHDs may seek the same hours as nurses

Ian McGuinness | 08 June 2007

The reduction of the normal working week for junior doctors must be addressed in light of the resolution of the nurses dispute, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has said. Mr Fintan Hourihan, the union’s Director of Industrial Relations, said: “What... Read more

IHCA starts its campaign of action

Glenn Taylor | 25 May 2007

The campaign of industrial action overwhelming endorsed by members of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association commenced this week. Nine out of 10 hospital consultants voted to take the action in the recent ballot held by the association, and its National... Read more

IHCA challenges HSE over campaign and its impact on patient care

Greg Baxter | 18 May 2007

The Secretary General of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has challenged the Health Service Executive (HSE) to give specific examples of how the ‘Campaign of Action’, overwhelmingly endorsed by the Association’s membership, will harm patient care. The IHCA’s campaign... Read more

St Vincent’s apologised for absentee notices

Ian McGuinness | 11 May 2007

St Vincent’s University Hospital reviewed the number of days its 3,000 staff were absent for in 2005, it has been revealed in a recent Labour Court case. Court documentation stated: “In early 2006, the hospital made a decision to deal... Read more

Doctors are coping with nurse dispute

Ian McGuinness | 11 May 2007

There has been some tension between junior doctors and nurses because of the industrial action taken by the latter group but these workers are coping with the situation, Mr Gerry Barry has said. The Chief Executive of the Health Service... Read more

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