Consultants contract agreed, says Harney
Minister for Health Mary Harney has tonight hailed the agreement of a new deal with hospital consultants.
However, the Irish Hospital Consultants’ Association (IHCA) has yet to officially confirm agreement.
The main issue was thought to have been the extra pay the consultants will receive in return for working more flexible hours and accepting restrictions on private practice in public hospitals.
“The 2008 Consultants Contract marks a new era for our health services,” said Harney.
“It is the key to unlocking great improvements for patients that will be far-reaching and long-lasting.
“It represents a fundamental change from the 1981 contract, which was amended in 1992 and 1997.
“Patients will be the winners in this new contract:
- they will be seen faster with more consultants appointed;
- best decisions and best outcomes for patients will be ensured by consultants working in teams under new clinical management;
- consultant services to patients will be expanded with an extended working day of 8am to 8pm and structured weekend work, and local agreements to facilitate more flexibility in hospitals;
- consultants will provide outpatient and diagnostic services on a ‘one for all’ basis, so that all patients are seen at the key entry point to public hospitals on the basis of medical need alone;
- there will be a fair balance between public and private work, an 80:20 ratio, that will be managed and implemented properly for the first time;
- we will have the basis to attract and hire top class consultants internationally.
“Consultants are the clinical leaders in health, so I expect this agreement can lead to change and reformed work practices throughout the health sector.”
Harney stressed that the new agreement would take time to put into operation.
“It will take time for full implementation so I look forward to the HSE and consultants working together in agreement to implement the new arrangements, including the recruitment of a substantial number of new consultants in areas such as cancer care, neurology services, rheumatology, respiratory care and mental health, to name but a few,” she said.
“I am confident that the new contract will attract top candidates in Ireland and internationally.
Minister Harney went on to acknowledge the chairman of the talks, as well as the respective negotiating teams.
“On behalf of the Government, I want to express our deep gratitude and pay a special tribute to the independent chairman, Mr Mark Connaughton, S.C., for guiding these talks to success,” said Harney.
“His commitment and service have been outstanding. I also commend the negotiating teams for their long, hard and constructive work in the final phase, particularly.
“This is a time of great opportunity for our health services and I look forward to all of us working together to delivering the top class health services we all want for our country.”
