BMA Calls For More NI Doctors

As GPs pledged yesterday to play their part in an efficient swine flu vaccination programme this autumn, a leading medic has launched an appeal over a shortage of qualified doctors.

Dr David Farren, the recently elected leader of junior doctors in Northern Ireland has called for workforce shortages in the medical world to "be tackled head-on" so that patients across the province continue to receive the best quality of care.

The BMA's Northern Ireland Junior Doctors Committee (NIJDC), also pledged to work to protect the health and safety of both doctors and patients.

"There continues to be a shortage of junior doctors in Northern Ireland which must be addressed to ensure that patients continue to receive the highest quality care possible in our local hospitals," he said, noting that European working time legislation was making things worse.

"Exacerbating this shortage is the recent full implementation of the European Working Time Directive.

"Through the NIJDC, I will work with members to ensure that employers implement the new rules to reduce junior doctors' working hours to 48 hours per week," he continued, noting this will ultimately protect the health and safety of both staff and patients.

Dr Farren continued: "Another key issue for junior doctors in Northern Ireland is the protection of training of the next generation of consultants and GPs during the implementation of the Working Time Directive.

"I am looking forward to working constructively with the DHSSPS and the NI Medical Dental and Training Agency to address these concerns and ensure that the views of Northern Ireland's junior doctors are heard at the highest level."

Dr Farren said that he will also continue the close working between NIJDC and the BMA's UK Junior Doctors Committee to ensure that issues determined on a UK basis which affect Northern Ireland, such as contract negotiations and medical regulation, are positive for junior doctors working in Northern Ireland.

See: BMA Backs NI Vaccine Plan

(BMcC/GK)