Non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) have increased propensity to mental illness, substance abuse and emotional stress because of their long working hours according to a new study, writes Padraig Yeates. It was undertaken by the Irish Medical Organisation in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority.
The study says suicide rates among NCHDs are two to three times greater than for other people "of comparable social class. Substance abuse may be up to 30 times more common among doctors than the general population."
Ms Moira Mallon, research and policy officer of the IMO, carried out the study. She concludes that "despite claims from government bodies and hospital management that doctors' performance is not affected by their demanding schedules and patients are not put at risk, there is clear evidence . . . that long hours have a negative impact".
The study will strengthen the position of the IMO in its negotiations with the Health Service Employers' Agency next week.