New doctor grade aims to improve hospital service

PLANS for a new grade of senior non-consultant doctor to improve hospital service delivery were revealed by Health Minister James Reilly.

Dr Reilly told a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children that the new grade of doctor would be similar to the speciality doctor grade in Britain.

The doctors delivered routine and emergency clinical care under the supervision of a consultant but, over time, took on more responsibility.