Consultants still await contract proposals

CATHERINE McNally (Irish Examiner letters, February 12) accuses hospital consultants of refusing to discuss changes in their contract, but she seems unaware the Department of Health and the HSE have yet to table any detailed proposals on a new contract.

They had opportunities over the past four years to do just that, but never availed of them.

Inspired media leaks and speculation from the department do not constitute negotiation.

We expect to see and debate the minister’s proposed changes and the obligations and responsibilities that will consequently arise for the HSE.

We would like also to be confident the HSE would comply with those obligations under any newly agreed contract. Their pattern of behaviour to date does not inspire confidence, but they may clarify that in the negotiations.

Ms McNally should appreciate that a further 1,500 consultants, which we proposed in 1999, is but one part of the jigsaw that is the health service of the future. If the minister is not just electioneering, she must demonstrate clearly to the public how she will provide the other parts, which include hospital beds, outpatient clinics, operating theatres and additional front-line medical staff.

Anything less is just playing politics with patients.

Donal Duffy

Asst Secretary General

Irish Hospital Consultants Association

Heritage House

Dundrum Office Park

Dublin 14