Harney holds key to resolving medical cover row

THERE were hopes last night of a breakthrough in the long-running dispute between consultants and the Department of Health over insurance cover.

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) yesterday sent a letter to Minister for Health Mary Harney asking her for a written statement confirming that consultants will be covered against claims of past negligence.

The British-based Medical Defence Union is in dispute with the Department of Health over who is responsible for outstanding negligence claims against obstetricians once the Government takes over the insurance of doctors under its State indemnity scheme.

The request follows the minister’s statement last week that “no patient or family will be left without compensation ... and no consultant will lose his house”.

This was seen by consultants as a significant move by the newly appointed Health Minister to resolve a number of issues that have delayed health reform.

IHCA secretary general Finbarr Fitzpatrick said the department’s response to the request is the “key to sorting out the clinical indemnity problems”.

The row over insurance cover has prevented consultants from joining the Hanly report bodies and starting talks on new work contracts. It is a year since the controversial Hanly report, which sets out a 10-year plan for a reform of hospital structures, was published.

The Irish Medical Organisation, which is taking part in Hanly pilot projects in the Mid-Western Health Board and the East Coast Area Health Board, said the reform was blighted by the insurance row.

IMO director of industrial relations Fintan Hourihan said it is anxious to discuss reform with the minister and is waiting for her to set a date.