Reilly to get fake boarding passes

More than 800 junior doctors have sent Health Minister James Reilly fake airline boarding passes, claiming cutbacks mean emigration is the only option they have left.

The union-organised campaign has been set up in a bid to highlight the impact of ongoing austerity-based policies on those working in the system.

Since early October, the Irish Medical Organisation has been asking Ireland’s 4,600 junior doctors to send boarding pass letters with the slogan, “Dear Minister, leaving on a jet plane, don’t think I’ll be back again” to Dr Reilly, a former IMO president.

The documentation specifically hits out at excessive junior doctor working hours which are in breach of European rules, difficulties in finding work, and a recent “unilateral” 40% cut to the pay of future consultants.

In the eight weeks since the campaign began, about one in six junior doctors have told Dr Reilly they will consider quitting the country due to what is being imposed.

The IMO has insisted the situation should be strongly supported by the rest of the public.

“These figures represent a deep well of disquiet and apprehension amongst some of the most talented and skilled young professionals in this country, and they make me fear for the future delivery of medical care in our health service,” said IMO president Dr Paul McKeown.