More disruptions as doctors’ strike continues

PATIENT services at a 500-bed regional hospital will be disrupted again today as junior doctors take to the picket line for a second day.

The dispute threatens to spread to all hospitals nationwide where non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) work.

Despite a Labour Relations Commission offer to intervene in the dispute, all admissions except emergencies and planned cancer, renal and maternity services at Waterford Regional Hospital have been cancelled again today.

It means a further 100 or more patients due to attend the hospital today will be put on a priority list for care, adding further to waiting lists in the region.

Junior doctors at the hospital mounted the picket from 9am yesterday in dispute over plans by hospital management to roster the junior staff outside of the normal 9am to 5pm working day.

The Irish Medical Organisation says 9am to 5pm is the best training time for doctors. Hospital management says the working time changes are being introduced in a bid to cut working hours, as required under an EU working time directive.

Thirty five planned operations were cancelled yesterday in the ear, nose and throat, surgical, eye, orthopaedic and gynaecological departments. And 120 patients due to be seen at the out-patients clinic had their appointments cancelled.

Confusion was rife at the hospital yesterday morning as nursing and porter staff were not sure how the work-to-rule would impact on their day. Staff consulted with their various unions and there was no disruption to day-to-day work on wards.

A South Eastern Health Board spokesperson said it was necessary but regrettable that all non-emergency services will be cancelled for a second day today. “However, all cancer services, including the administration of chemotherapy, breast clinics and outpatient cancer services, will proceed as normal ,” the spokesperson said.

“Scheduled dialysis and maternity outpatient clinics will also not be affected. Accident and Emergency, intensive care units and coronary care unit are operating as normal.”

IMO industrial relations director Fintan Hourihan said there were no signs of an end to the dispute. “We are grateful to the public for the extensive support they have shown us. The resolve among NCHDs is as great as ever. This dispute will continue until the HSEA and management revert back to the old rostering arrangements,” he said.