Letterkenny requires 30 extra NCHDs to implement IMO agreement

Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) requires approximately 30 extra NCHDs to implement the IMO/health management NCHD agreement reached in late 2022.

Since October, non-training NCHD posts are subject to the HSE recruitment embargo.

A spokesperson for Saolta University Health Care Group said the terms of the NCHD national agreement are being progressed at LUH. The hospital is also “working proactively” to implement the recommendations of the NCHD taskforce and the Model 3 Hospitals Report.

LUH has been chosen as the pilot site for the Model 3 Hospital Project, which will involve a “significant focus” on recruitment and retention of medical staff.

On 24 July 2023, a meeting of the LUH executive board heard that a “minimum of an additional 30 NCHDs” would be required to comply with the 2022 NCHD agreement, according to minutes obtained under Freedom of Information law.

Saolta’s spokesperson commented: “LUH, similar to all other hospitals nationally, have identified areas where expansion is needed in order to meet the recommendations without impacting on patient care or service activity. This list, which amounted to an additional 30 NCHDs, requires national approval.

“LUH has reviewed the NCHD rosters in all departments in line with the recommendations of the IMO/HSE DOH agreement.

“The hospital is working towards the full implementation of all recommendations and has fully implemented new measures to deal with emergency tax and expenses related to relocation for trainees. Entitlements around leave for mandatory exams and minimum guaranteed entitlement for each six months are also complete.”

In terms of the NCHD taskforce report, LUH has “undertaken steps to enhance the physical environment, health and wellbeing, education and training and ICT for our NCHD colleagues”.

Meanwhile, Saolta is engaging with postgraduate colleges to support NCHD specialist training in LUH. The hospital has recently been approved for core specialist training in emergency medicine and higher specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology.