Hospital consultants to re-enter talks over contracts
There has been a major development in the ongoing row between hospital consultants and the Department of Health.
The Irish Medical Organisation confirmed today that its 800 hospital consultants are to re-enter talks with the Health Service Executive (HSE) over their work contracts.
A successful outcome could radically overhaul the current difficulties over A&E waiting lists.
For some years the department has come under pressure from the public and media over lengthy A&E waiting lists.
The department and the HSE have said if reform of the working arrangements for consultants, in particular for weekend work, could be agreed, greater efficiency in hospitals could be achieved.
It is not known when exactly the talks will commence.
