Madam, – I read with dismay but no surprise that there is a shortage of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) looming in our health service.
The reasons for this are very simple. Primarily, the lack of recognition of the importance of non-EU doctors to our system is one of the main reasons that the HSE cannot fill posts, especially in some peripheral hospitals.
The amount of red tape involved in working within our system for those outside this jurisdiction is becoming prohibitive for those applying to work, or stay working here.
The necessary changes to our registration system were done in a ham-fisted way and discourage those seeking to do extra hours outside of their primary hospital post from doing so – hence the inevitable NCHD shortage when it comes to filling in for sick or unavailable colleagues.
Many of those who went abroad in recent years for training or other purposes have stayed away and the reasons are simple. Vastly superior working conditions, easier availability of training and better work-life balance are more readily available in the UK, US, Canada and New Zealand.
The HSE cannot be blamed for the political and economic crises in this country. It can, however, be blamed for the way it has treated doctors within the health service.
Pension levies and wage cuts are the norm for public service workers, however the HSE has targeted the NCHD training fund which makes career progression and further education unnecessarily expensive. This is another reason doctors are leaving these shores in their droves.
Hospital presentations and admissions have rocketed over the past decade, yet the number of doctors employed in the health service has stayed pretty static in most areas. This has led to increased workloads and stress levels. The HSE can produce any statistics it likes, but ask any doctor, especially any involved in obstetrics about their workload and how it has increased steadily and they will only have one answer for you.
I am in my fourth year post qualification. I have worked across five specialities in eight hospitals of varying size and location. There is a lot of variation, but the negatives are real and not being addressed.
I enjoy my job and am grateful to have it. This letter is not a criticism of the life of a hospital doctor but a criticism of the way in which the HSE has managed our lot. It should not be surprised that there is a man-power crisis, it has directly and indirectly helped to create it and is doing nothing to remedy things. The consistent answer to representations from our union is to be obtuse, difficult and often downright belligerent.
I fear for our AE departments (which will be worst affected) and hospitals in general over the next few years unless something real is done. – Yours, etc,