Some hospital doctors have to work 35-hour shifts, says NCHD taskforce 

Some exhausted non-consultant hospital doctors have to nap in a room with broken windows during winter, according to the report. Picture: Stockbyte

Doctors working 35-hour shifts, having to nap in a room with broken windows during winter, and not having enough food for night shifts are among problems raised by a taskforce set up to examine conditions.

The taskforce evaluated concerns raised by non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs), formerly known as junior doctors, and have published a report with over 80 recommendations.

That high number of recommendations indicates “a systems-wide failure” in how these doctors are treated, said Ken Mealy, chairman of the forum of Irish postgraduate medical training bodies.

He welcomed the report and said the training bodies are committed to adapting courses to meet the doctors’ needs.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland welcomes the report and recommendations of the National Taskforce on the Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor Workforce and is fully committed to working with all involved to implement the recommendations.

Read more: https://t.co/9VXYNL81vA pic.twitter.com/Ea400qeELq

— Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (@RCPI_news) February 7, 2024

Tamlynn Muller, an NCHD at Cork University Hospital, joined the taskforce to highlight challenges facing her colleagues in all hospitals. 

“A lot of international medical graduates are overlooked when it comes to training schemes, so that was my priority, in trying to get equitable opportunities for [them],” she said.

She shared some of the challenges facing her colleagues nationally: 

It doesn’t help if you are sitting in a room with broken windows, and it’s three degrees outside, and the heating doesn’t work.

“It’s not a comfortable experience — you don’t feel supported and you don’t feel cared for,” she said.

The National Taskforce on the NCHD Workforce, led by Anthony O’Regan, plans to reform these situations. Among its recommendations are for a change in how doctors are rotated around the country, to reduce the distances involved.

The National Taskforce on the NCHD Workforce is led by Professor Anthony O’Regan. Picture: X/RCPI

It also recommends changes in hospital salary systems to more accurately record hours worked and payment due.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said: “I think what’s needed is a single contract for NCHDs.” He said a lot of work is needed around this, adding: “It is critical that the recommendations of the NCHD Taskforce are progressed as a matter of urgent priority.”

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) gave the report “a guarded welcome”.

Rachel McNamara, chairwoman of the IMO’s NCHD committee, said: “We have been experiencing ever- increasing numbers of NCHDs emigrating to systems where they are valued, supported, and offered a work/life balance.

“The recommendations in this report go some way to addressing the issues faced by NCHDs today, but for any of us to have real confidence, we need to see major investment and implementation to make those recommendations a reality.”

The IMO was disappointed that key issues including night-time childcare were not addressed.

However, the Irish Medical Council warmly welcomed the report.

Council president Suzanne Crowe said it was “an important day for the future of medicine in Ireland”.

“The recommendations from the NCHD Taskforce are practical, supportive, and will make a meaningful difference to the quality of life of our NCHDs,” she said.

Dr Crowe expects the plans will “enhance training pathways and opportunities with greater flexibility” for these doctors.