Management slammed over talks as dispute deepens

THE dispute at Waterford Regional Hospital deepened yesterday as doctors slammed management for failing to enter into meaningful talks on rostering.

And the Irish Medical Organisation last night said the longer the dispute involving 130 junior doctors continues, the tougher it will be to convene round-table talks aimed at ending it.

IMO industrial relations executive Paul Connolly said: "The mood here today is very high. Doctors are angry that they have been forced into this action for a second week.

"They are also angry that the health board doesn't seem to have an understanding of the issues involved."

The dispute continues today and will go on until the old rosters are reinstated, he stressed.

"We went into the labour relations commission in good faith but the Health Service Employers Association (HSEA) didn't even bother to turn up. There was little or no point in us being there at all because the health board had no mandate to enter into negotiations with us.

"The longer this goes on, the more antagonistic the whole situation is going to become and the more difficult it will be for everyone to go back into dialogue."

The South Eastern Health Board said it was disappointed the IMO was striking again.

A spokesperson said: "The board again calls on the IMO to withdraw the industrial action and prevent further suffering and distress to patients.

The new rosters have increased the numbers of hours worked by NCHDs between the hours of 9am and 5pm from an average of 2429 to a minimum of 32 per week, the board said.

Yesterday, 21 surgical procedures and 160 out-patients clinics were cancelled in Waterford due to the dispute. Some 52 operations and 136 outpatient appointments were cancelled last week.