AFTER DAYS OF talks between the Irish Medical Organisation and the HSE, there has been positive movement in the ongoing dispute over working hours for junior doctors.
A spokesperson for the IMO told TheJournal.ie that the Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs) committee from the IMO met this evening to consider a set of proposals which were developed through the Labour Relations Committee.
He said they agreed to put those proposals to a ballot of NCHD members, and that this ballot will take place as soon as is practicable.
“The IMO will be recommending a ‘yes’ vote,” the spokesperson said.
Regarding the proposals, the IMO believes a particular concern about sanctions and how to make sure hospitals comply with the EU working time directive is a “robust” proposal.
It would involve penalising individual hospitals if they fail to comply with the codes. This proposal was described as “very credible”.
The IMO believe it is now down to the members to make a decision when taking part in the ballot.
On 8 October, 3,000 doctors took part in industrial action to draw attention to their 24 No More campaign. This campaign was set up to bring an end to doctors’ long working hours, which often includes working 24-hour shifts.
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