IMO gives ‘guarded welcome’ to new NCHD report

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) said it is giving a guarded welcome to the publication today of a new report recommending improved working standards for Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs), formerly known as junior doctors.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has published the final report of the NCHD Taskforce which contains 44 recommendations, aimed at improving the experience of NCHDs and improving their work-life balance.

Mr Donnelly said he has written to the Chair of the HSE Board and to the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies to ensure that the development and roll-out of implementation plans is prioritised across five areas in 2024.

These include dedicated leadership and support for NCHDs, improved working standards, education and training supports, information communications and technology and increased access to training places.

“It is critical that the recommendations of the NCHD Taskforce are progressed as a matter of urgent priority,” Mr Donnelly said.

“It is also critical that the implementation of the recommendations is monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure that delivery of the desired improvements impacts positively on NCHD working and training.”

The IMO said that while the recommendations in the report are positive it is critical that there is an implementation plan with sufficient funding to allow the proposals to become a reality.

“While this report makes detailed reference to the agreement brokered by the IMO last year as well as aspirational rostering arrangements, the reality on the ground is seriously challenging with the ongoing recruitment freeze and services under constant pressure,” said Dr Rachel McNamara, Chair of the NCHD Committee of the IMO.

The IMO said certain areas have not been addressed adequately in the report including arrangements for childcare for NCHDs, a medical workforce plan and a realistic plan for the delivery of a best-in-class IT system to digitise the health service.