Patients’ group will support industrial action

A leading patients’ group has said it will support junior doctors in whatever strike action they take — provided the public does not become “a pawn in this looming avoidable crisis”.

Irish Patients Association chairman Stephen McMahon took the stance after an Irish Medical Organisation ballot returned a 97% vote in favour of industrial action.

Mr McMahon said that patients will inevitably be affected in some way by the decision, which has been taken due to excessive shift lengths which see some junior doctors working up to 100 hours a week.

However, Mr McMahon insisted that the public understands the issues involved and will back the medics’ protest — so long as the most serious emergency situations are not damaged as a result of what is taking place.

“The Irish Patients Association, in the interests of patients and indeed health workers, has been advocating for shorter working hours for junior doctors,” said Mr McMahon. “In fact, we helped arrange probably their first public protest on this issue some 10 years ago.

“This issue has been on the horizon for many years. Our only concern is that patients do not become pawns in this looming avoidable crisis by any party — be it from doctors, the minister and/or his officials. Patients must be at the very centre of the decision-making [on the matter].

“I’m sure the Taoiseach wouldn’t want a healthcare delivery omnishambles on his watch if these protests materialise.”

The IPA stance comes as junior doctors are gearing up for major industrial action due to what they describe as “dangerous” working hours that are risking the safety of staff and the public.

While the European Working Time Directive, which was introduced 13 years ago, states no one should work more than 48 hours a week or face shifts in excess of 24 hours, some junior doctors are working 100 hours a week and have to cope with 48-hour shifts.

After the European Commission threatened Ireland with significant fines if the issue was not addressed last summer, the Department of Health said it hoped to adhere to the long-in-existence policy by the end of next year.

However, despite the fact that Health Minister James Reilly has said the goals will be met from the end of 2014, the IMO has warned little progress is being made and has asked the European Commission to re-examine the situation.

Among the main causes of the excessive shift lengths are dwindling health service budgets and a lack of staff due to the recruitment embargo.

* You can read the Irish Examiner’s Jan 2012 investigation into the working life of a junior doctor at: www.exa.mn/junior