Health plan seeks to cut doctors' hours

Reducing the workload of doctors is the main thrust of a new blueprint for the country's health service.

The National Task Force on Medical Staffing is to prepare and cost an implementation plan to deal with worker shortages.

The plan hopes to reduce the work of consultants to a 48-hour week by 2010.

The process of moving consultants to the front-line of treatment, rather than referral, will also be analysed, relative to costs.

Medical education and training requirements will also be examined, as will the staffing needs of the Irish hospital system.