IMO warns of further action if junior doctor hours are not cut

The main doctors’ union has warned its members will return to industrial action if the HSE fails to implement proposals designed to reduce junior doctors’ excessive working hours.

Steve Tweed, industrial relations chief at the Irish Medical Organisation said he is hopeful that the HSE will deliver on their promises given that hospitals face substantial fines if junior doctors work beyond a maximum 24-hour shift.

“There is €15m coming out of the acute hospitals’ budget overall,” said Mr Tweed. “That money is withheld and hospitals have to demonstrate compliance to get the money back.