Health service struggling with exhausted workforce and long waiting lists, warns IMO chief

Junior doctors are currently balloting for possible industrial action, and have said they regularly work 80 hours a week in breach of the working hours rules in the EU.

All parts of the health service are under pressure going into “a critical" year for patients, the incoming president of the Irish Medical Organisation has warned.

Speaking at the organisation’s annual general meeting on Saturday, Dr Clive Kilgallen said challenges include unacceptable waiting lists, an exhausted workforce along with major problems with the recruitment and retention of doctors.