Hours row could see pickets outside hospitals

HOSPITAL services nationwide face a threat of industrial action and disruption because of a dispute involving the country’s 3,500 junior or non-consultant hospital doctors.

The dispute focuses on efforts by a growing number of hospitals to enforce roster changes.

The Irish Medical Organisation, which represents NCHDs, says these learning doctors should be rostered from 9am to 5pm, when hospitals are busiest and most learning takes place. Employers argue that the row is more about overtime payments and ensuring NCHDs maintain their lucrative deal.