Accommodation for NCHDs ‘particularly challenging’

The IMO NCHD Chair has welcomed a recommendation to convert derelict sites in Dublin city into high-density residential accommodation, with provision for essential workers. However, Dr Rachel McNamara said more immediate actions are also required.

The Government’s Dublin city taskforce report was launched last month. The taskforce was appointed in May to recommend measures required to rejuvenate Dublin city centre.

One of the report’s recommendations was to “convert derelict sites into high-density residential with provision for essential workers”. A “major concern” expressed by many stakeholders was the “crisis in recruiting staff in the city centre”, including healthcare workers.

Trainees are required to rotate through different hospitals every six-to-12 months as part of their training.

“As such, the ongoing housing shortage is particularly challenging for NCHDs as they must seek new accommodation so regularly,” Dr McNamara told the Medical Independent.

She noted that many NCHDs are also facing the reality of “double renting” due to the rotational nature of their role, and a lack of flexibility in rental agreements.

Dr McNamara said the taskforce proposal on developing  high-density residential accommodation with provision for essential workers is welcome. “As there are particular difficulties in getting accommodation for city centre-based hospitals, with NCHDs frequently having to commute long distances.”

“However, this proposal will take time and NCHDs need action now to address the difficulties that they are facing,” she added.

Dr McNamara said planned talks on a new NCHD contract would be an opportunity for Government and health management to provide “more tangible and immediate benefits” to NCHDs facing accommodation and other challenges.