Hospital consultants: No collapse in negotiations with HSE

Hospital consultants have denied that negotiations with the HSE over work practice reforms have collapsed.

It follows talks last month at the Labour Relations Commission, which concluded with a proposal to introduce new working arrangements for hospital consultants.

If agreed, it would mean that from November 5, hospital management could roster certain consultants on a round-the-clock basis.

Last week, the HSE said it would go to the Labour Court seeking to force consultants to sign up to the new reforms.

However, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association said that there is no reason to involve the Labour Court, since its members are still considering the LRC proposals.

Senator and consultant John Crown said that his medical colleagues will be "on board" with new work practice proposals.

Senator Crown said that morale amongst consultants has been battered in recent months, and they may be feeling a bit "unloved".