Fines if doctors’ hours breached

Fines of up to €650,000 will be imposed on hospitals that breach rules limiting the hours a junior doctor can work under proposals designed to end a long- standing row over excessive working hours.

The sanctions, which range from maximum yearly fines of €225,000 for small hospitals, €350,000 for medium-size hospitals, and up to €650,000 for the main teaching hospitals, were key to resolving the stand-off between the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the HSE which last week led to a one-day strike and cancellation of procedures and outpatient appointments for about 7,400 people.

The financial sanctions will be deducted on a monthly basis until the hospital achieves compliance.