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TALKS AIMED AT averting next week’s planned one day stoppage by junior doctors were adjourned at the LRC this evening, with both sides agreeing to return to the table on Friday.
The Irish Medical Organisation, which represents the doctors, is calling for an end to shifts lasting longer than 24 hours. The union has claimed some junior doctors regularly work as many as 100 hours per week, on shifts lasting over 24 hours.
Plans for a ‘roster verification process’ were discussed by the HSE and IMO at today’s talks. According to the union, the aim of the process is to “determine whether rosters in place at local hospital level do not exceed a maximum 24 hour shift”.
Two sites will be visited this Thursday, before talks get back under way at the Labour Relations Commission the following day.
“It is critical that any proposals agreed be subject to a rigorous verification process agreed by both parties, we can only commit to proposals which can be verified at each stage of implementation,” IMO Assistant Director of Industrial Relations, Eric Young, said.
The threat of strike action remains in place for next Wednesday, 25 September. The IMO has promised that the action will not interfere with emergency services.
Earlier, nursing union the INMO confirmed it would back the planned stoppage, and said nurses would not carry out doctors’ work during the dispute.
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I’m 100% behind the doctors going on strike.
They have to be suffering permanent jet lag type effects from those horrendous hours and long shifts.
100% percent behind the junior doctors. I would personally be scared if I knew that the doctor looking after me was nearing the end of a 36 hour shift. This is not about money. It is about providing safe working conditions for doctors and ensuring patient safety.
How is the best outcome from this one where doctors will work shifts of 24 hours? I wouldn’t ask my barman to do that… Why is it okay for a doctor?
Am I missing something here??? :-/
The ideal outcome is implementation of the EWTD. I’m no doctor or IR specialist but given that some say they work shifts of more than 36 hours, that won’t happen overnight. A long strike will do nobody any good.
The aim of the current campaign is an *immediate* reduction to a 24 hour maximum, followed by a definite timetable for full compliance with the law (not some fantasyland HSE timeframe). Unfortunately that aspect doesn’t seem to be getting across as clearly.
If the doctors want to strike, let them and if they don’t want to come back to work, replace them. It’s time to get this little financially ruined nation back on its feet.
Richard … It’s not about money … It’s about working 100 hours a week.. By being rostered correctly ,it will actually mean less overtime and there less money being paid out !!
Is it a case that they can’t get enough doctors or they just won’t take them on? Genuine question.
Replace them with who Richard? They’re being given better pay and conditions in other countries. There won’t be any doctors left at this rate. I’d love to see you on your feet for at least 24 hours dealing with sick people and their families.
Solidarity with the junior doctors 100%.
Get down off your barstool Richard.
You must be drunk.
Who’s round is it.
Make mine a double.
@ Ping Pong, they can’t hire enough.
For most positions on training schemes (which guarantee a doctors position for the duration of the scheme, usually 2-4 years), there are not enough people applying, never mind getting through the rather cumbersome recruitment campaign.
Who’s going to replace us? You?
Go way with that idiotic drivel – the country can barely hire enough of us to keep the lights on. Doctors don’t want to stay here, or come here, because foolish twaddle like that pervades the way we’re treated.
If you think you could routinely do the work of two people for shifts measured in planetary rotations, go to medical school and try it out.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Mind you don’t stumble and stand on your stethoscope.
Lol, good one : D
Do you ever play the comedy club or the laughter lounge
(seriously, i have free tickets to go there)
‘Always look on the bright side of life’
Work!
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