HSE And Consultants Reach Agreement

Following intensive overnight talks, health service management and hospital consultants have reached an agreement on new work practices and flexibilities.

The Government believes the new measures could generate up to €200 million in savings for the health service.

Minister for Health James Reilly welcomed the agreement, which he said will allow for a series of major changes to the benefit of the health services and to the benefit of patients in particular.

“The consultants organisations have shown considerable leadership in agreeing to recommend these crucial changes,” Dr Reilly said.

“The impact of what has been agreed has a vital financial benefit and of greater importance it paves the way for the more effective treatment of patients as we continue to reform our health services for the better in the interests of patients."

The Government has also decided to press ahead with the introduction of a new grade of hospital consultant, despite the objections of medical organisations. It is understood salary scales for the new consultant post will be significantly lower that the rates paid to those in existing consultant posts.

The salary scale will be between €116,000 and €121,000, said the HSE's national director of industrial relations Barry O'Brien.

At present, hospital consultants’ salaries range from €147,000 to about €200,000.

Dr Reilly said that while the consultant organisations have not agreed to the new pay scales, it is a matter for Government policy. “The decision has been made and the initiative will proceed,” he said.

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