Doctors may strike over indemnity cover row

DOCTORS at the country’s biggest hospital are considering an all-out strike in a row over indemnity cover which could spread to other hospitals.

Consultants at St James’s Hospital in Dublin will meet this Friday to decide on a strike motion in support of a consultant member of staff who is facing a court action for negligence, but who has been left without indemnity cover.

Yesterday the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) called on Minister for Health Mary Harney to give a “legally binding” assurance no patient or consultant would be personally exposed to medical negligence claims.