Hospital consultants set to vote for industrial action

Claire O’Sullivan

The results of an Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) ballot, which will be counted today, are expected to show the majority of its 680 members favour strike.

Members of the Irish Hospital Consultant Association (IHCA) are also expected to step up their dispute following an EGM on Sunday. However, industrial action cannot begin until its 1,500 members are balloted over the next fortnight. Both organisations are due to meet this morning to discuss the possibility of a joint industrial strategy.

The dispute between consultants and the Department of Health is over the refusal by the medical insurance body, the Medical Defence Union (MDU) to cover malpractice cases predating 2001. The Government introduced its own insurance scheme, however just who is to cover a potential insurance bill for 400m is at the centre of the current dispute.

The IHCA met with the Tánaiste, Mary Harney on Wednesday but no progress was made. It was agreed however, legal teams from each side will discuss a letter from the Tánaiste in which she pledged no patient or consultant would be left uncovered because of the row with the MDU.

The IHCA believes the letter, sent last October, is not legally binding and believes a letter approved by the Cabinet is necessary to ensure full legal cover.

Meanwhile, the Tánaiste has said she is fully committed to finding a solution to the medical indemnity row that would not jeopardise her legal, or negotiating strategy, with the MDU.

Up to 25 IHCA consultants have now been refused cover by the MDU for alleged malpractice incidents which took place while they were paying premiums to the UK insurance company. Two of these contacted the IHCA yesterday to inform them the MDU was refusing them cover.

The first negligence case against an IHCA consultant obstetrician is due to take place next Month. It is reported he is working in the north-west.