Consultants vow ‘to walk off the job’ if sued

HOSPITAL consultants have warned they will “walk off the job” if any member is sued over the failure to resolve a row over who is liable for claims of past medical negligence.

The threat was issued at the consultants’ weekend AGM, increasing the pressure on the Government to swiftly resolve a dispute which has left 11 consultants uninsured against claims of past negligence.

President of the Irish Hospital Consultants’ Association (IHCA) Dr Josh Keaveny said the “nuclear option” - emergency services only at all hospitals - had been discussed following the departure of Health Minister Mary Harney.