Junior doctors threatening strikes over long hours

The trainees – known as non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) – will hold a meeting on April 11 to discuss the “deteriorating working conditions and flagrant contractual breaches“ which they say they face on a daily basis.

There are over 7,500 NCHDs working in the Irish health service.

Chair of the Irish Medical Organisation’s NCHD committee, Dr John Cannon, said key issues include having to work far in excess of legal and safe working hours, often in breach of the European Working Time Directive.

They are routinely being required to work single shifts in excess of 24 hours, and to work over 48 hours a week. They are also not being paid for all hours worked.

There is an inability to take full annual leave or study leave entitlements.

The situation is leading to rising mental health distress, with more NCHDs emigrating due to the current working environment.

Dr Cannon said the NCHD Committee would consider various steps to have the situation addressed, including the possibility of industrial action.

“No doctor ever wants to go take industrial action, let alone go on strike, so the fact that this is even part of the conversation shows how unsustainable the present situation is,” he said.

“The NCHD cohort is critical to the successful operation of the health services and is the lifeblood of the next generation of consultants and GPs.

“But the HSE and the Government continue to take this group for granted and force them to work illegal hours, often without correct pay and with little regard to their physical or mental health.

“There is a reason why doctors leave Ireland, and we hope that Government and the HSE will pay attention and do something to address the systemic problems in our healthcare system.

“However, we will be recommending to our members that if we do not get reasonable and serious engagement there may be no alternative but to consider industrial action because allowing the current situation to persist is just not acceptable.

“It is bad for doctors and bad for patients.”