Hospital Consultants Act To Protect Patients
02 February 2004
Hospital Consultants Act to Ensure Patients Are Protected
The Minister for Health should meet the Medical Defence Union to ensure that no public or private patient is left uncovered for past medical negligence claims. The Minister’s very drastic decision to leave public and private patients uncovered has forced hospital consultants to take action to protect them.
Until the Department of Health and The Medical Defence Union have an agreement to cover patients, hospital consultants will implement a phased campaign from Monday 2 February to withdraw from administrative services. If there is still no resolution by 23 February, Consultants will move to provide emergency services only from that date.
See detailed plan of action below.
Further Information
Finbarr Fitzpatrick
086 246 9817
Stage 1 - Monday February 2
1. The IHCA will not participate in contract negotiations arising from the recently published reports on the health service.
2. Members will not participate in the (Hanly Report) Implementation Groups in the Mid West and East Coast Area Health Boards.
3. Members will not meet with representatives of the Medical Manpower Task Force.
4. Members will not co-operate with the DOH&C in any legal action against the MDU should that organisation refuse to indemnify a member in a public obstetric case.
5. Members should pursue a general policy of non co-operation with the DOH&C and its agencies.
6. Members should involve the Health & Safety Authority where concerns arise regarding overcrowding, inadequate facilities or the general safety of patients or hospital staff.
7. Members should seek the protection of Sections 6 & 9 of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 1989 with particular regard to excessive hours and workloads.
8. Members should withdraw, but not resign, from all National Committees*.
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(National Committees to be defined as any Committee to which a member has been nominated by the Minister for Health & Children)9. Members should immediately inform management of all further planned action outlined hereafter.
Stage 2 - Monday February 9
10. Members to withdraw from all local, LAC and similar voluntary hospital interview panels. Extern medical members on these panels to be advised of consultants’ withdrawal.
11. Members who act as medical administrators / clinical directors / medical directors, other than those undertaking custodial duties specifically provided for under the Mental Treatment Act 1945, should suspend their activities for the time being.
Stage 3 - Monday February 16
12. Members should implement College best practice recommendations regarding outpatient numbers and risk management protocols.
13. NTPF work to be suspended in all hospitals.
Stage 4 - Monday February 23
14. Emergency services only in all hospitals.