HSE seeks to abolish consultants’ ‘rest days’

THE HSE wants to abolish a contractual entitlement which allows medical consultants to take their final year off before retirement on full pay.

The HSE has said the entitlement, known as ‘historic rest days’, could cost a staggering €103 million between now and 2027 — when the last of the eligible consultants is due to retire.

“In order to deliver greater efficiencies in these extremely challenging times, the HSE continues to examine historical work practices with all of its stakeholders, trade union bodies and representative associations,” said the HSE in a statement.