Untrained consultants ‘in every hospital’

MEDICAL consultants without specialist training are likely working in every hospital in the country, according to the Irish Medical Organisation.

IMO president Dr Peadar Gilligan described the situation as a ‘patient care scandal’, adding that the health service is struggling to recruit and retain consultants.

His comments follow recent revelations that one-in-seven specialist consultant posts in both private and public hospitals are occupied by non-specialist doctors. According to the Sunday Business Post, Irish Medical Council figures showed that 650 out of 4,373 active medical consultants said that they were not on the specialist register in 2015.

In a statement yesterday, the IMO said that given the large numbers of consultants involved, it is likely the issue is affecting every hospital in the country. Dr Gilligan said: ‘This situation was entirely predictable given the difficulties which the HSE is having in attracting applicants for consultant roles.’

The IMC confirmed yesterday that it ensures those on the specialist registrar have the necessary qualifications, and that a consultant cannot represent him or herself as a specialist if they are not on that registrar.

The HSE said it currently employs 127 consultants on the general division, 53 of whom were appointed prior to 2008 when registration on the specialist register was not required. The Department of Health said employers have been asked to terminate the contracts of locum doctors who do not hold the qualifications required.