Doctor's trade union 'disappointed' in HSE talks over working hours
The trade union representing Ireland's junior doctors said it was disappointed with the outcome of a meeting with the HSE to discuss working hours.
The Irish Medical Organisation is balloting non-consultant hospital doctors over whether to step up its campaign to end their current system of lengthy shifts.
The organisation says junior doctors can sometimes work up to 100 hours a week, in direct contravention of the European Working Time Directive. They can also frequently work for over 24 hours at a time, the organisation said.
"It isn't safe for patients, and it isn't safe for doctors either," said Eric Young of the IMO.
The IMO says the HSE is showing "contempt" for the issue and is not prepared to engage with them on how to end it.
A further meeting on the issue is planned for next Monday.
