Health sector plans face union roadblock

Health Minister James Reilly’s two key health service reforms are facing their first major hurdle after plans for a new hospital doctor grade and free GP care hit a significant union roadblock.

Dr Reilly has proposed the introduction of an associate specialist hospital grade doctor post — effectively a consultant post — to be created to improve staff levels and help retain junior doctors who see no future in Ireland.

He is also seeking to create free GP care throughout the country as a first step towards the introduction of free universal healthcare from 2016.