All Consultants need to embrace reforms and deliver where Reilly has failed – Kelleher

Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher has said “the survey of IHCA members showing a slim majority are in favour of reforms agreed at the Labour Relations Commission is welcome but prove that Minister Reilly has failed to convince Consultants of his reform agenda.”

Deputy Kelleher commented: “The Minister has utterly failed to show leadership and the capacity to bring about meaningful change with the support of Consultants to improve the delivery of healthcare to patients.  This is clearly evidenced with almost 40% of IHCA members not supporting reforms agreed at the LRC.  I believe all Consultants should embrace major reforms to their work practices but it is clear that Minister Reilly totally oversold the LRC agreement to distract attention from the dysfunction that he has created within his department.

“In the space of a week in the middle of September Minister Reilly went from ‘losing patience big time’ with consultants to describing them as having shown ‘considerable leadership’ in negotiations.  Patients and those working in the health service need clear leadership and direction from the Minister and the Government on what reforms are being pursued and implemented.

“It is essential that the agreed reforms are progressed as a matter of urgency from November 5th as planned, to bring about major change for patients and savings for the health service.”