Martin appeals for end to doctors’ industrial action

THE GOVERNMENT last night said it will not intervene in a junior doctors’ dispute which threatens up to 450 planned operations as well as 1,000 outpatient appointments in two hospitals this week.

Health Minister Micheal Martin said he will not be intervening in industrial action at Waterford Regional Hospital and Tullamore. He urged the Irish Medical Organisation, which represents non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs), to go back to the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) for talks.

"I've asked the LRC to reconvene the talks and I've asked that all parties attend. It is the only way that we will restore services. There have been significant changes in the level of pay for junior doctors as well as changes to their allowances.

"Given the July 2000 agreement, I don't see how this industrial action is justified. The IMO has always agreed to the appointment of manpower managers and I don't see why they have called this dispute," Mr Martin said.

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association called on the Health Service Employers Agency (HSEA) to take whatever initiative necessary to end the dispute at the two units.

General manager Finbarr Fitzpatrick said he was appalled at the failure of the HSEA to attend the LRC talks on Monday. "Unless the initiative is taken and both sides are prepared to draw back, a national strike will ensure in a matter of weeks."

The South Eastern Health Board stood its ground yesterday and said it cannot bow to junior doctors' demands for the 9am to 5pm rosters to be restored.

"We just cannot do that," health board chief Peter Finnegan said. "We are disappointed that the talks broke down. We put every possible flexible option on the table and none of these were acceptable to the IMO bar the old rosters."

The doctors however insist the 9am to 5pm roster must be re-instated as only within these hours can they train with consultants, IMO industrial relations executive Paul Connolly, said. "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," he added. Meanwhile, Dr Tony O'Sullivan of the patients' group Patient Focus said patients awaiting surgery in hospitals nationwide should brace themselves for long delays.

"We're definitely now heading for national action," he said.

He said employers showed irresponsibility by not turning up to the Labour Court while blame also lay with the IMO for its aggressive action.