Tens of thousands of health staff appointed since 2008 can have rosters changed, says HSE chief – The Irish Times

HSE Announces Extended Day/Week Roster Changes

The Irish health service (HSE) is preparing to implement extended workdays and weeks for a significant portion of its staff, aiming to improve patient access to care over seven days. Bernard Gloster, the HSE’s chief executive, issued a directive to regional managers, authorizing them to implement roster changes for employees appointed or promoted as December 2008.

changes Spark controversy

This directive, however, has been met with resistance from Fórsa, the largest public service trade union. The union argues that the HSE’s “aggressive approach” ignores existing agreements and that any changes to working hours must be negotiated. Albert Murphy, chair of the National Joint Council, expressed surprise at the unilateral move, noting that consultations were scheduled for the following week. He emphasized that the 2008 agreement mandates that any expansion of weekend services should consider existing resource availability.

HSE’s Rationale for change

Mr. Gloster justified the move by stating that a recent public-only contract for hospital consultants specified Monday-to-Saturday work arrangements. He also highlighted the public service pay deal’s provision for revising working arrangements to improve access to services over seven days.While the HSE is in discussions with unions regarding this provision, focusing on staff recruited before 2008, Mr. Gloster emphasized the immediate need to plan for extended rostering for the newer employee cohort (hired or promoted since 2008).

Quotes Illustrate the situation

“as an immediate initiative to increase capacity, employees who have been issued with a contract (new and/or promotional) as December 16th, 2008 are liable to be rostered to work an extended day/week. You are reminded that you have sanction to make roster changes to this cohort of staff, subject to notification of two weeks, with immediate effect.”
— Bernard Gloster, HSE Chief Executive

“It is acknowledged that significant improvements to patient care, experience and patient safety can be made through shifting to a more consistent delivery over the course of the seven-day week in both acute settings and across community services.”
— Bernard Gloster, HSE Chief Executive

“the manner in which this move has been made was not in accordance with the normal consultation procedures.”
— Albert Murphy, chair of the National Joint Council

Government Mandate and Patient Concerns

The Irish Times reported that the government had instructed the HSE to implement a “more decisive shift” in staff working arrangements to enhance service availability during extended hours, including evenings and weekends. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill expressed concern about the rise in the number of patients on trolleys during the February bank holiday weekend, highlighting the urgency for improved access to services.

Looking ahead

This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Irish healthcare system. While extending service hours aims to improve patient care, it requires careful planning, consultation with staff, and a focus on their well-being. Finding a balance between service accessibility and staff burnout will be crucial for ensuring enduring improvements in healthcare delivery.

What are the specific concerns raised by Albert Murphy regarding the HSES implementation of extended working hours?

Extended Roster Changes in Irish Healthcare: An Interview with Key Stakeholders

Hospitals nationwide stand to benefit from extended rosters.

Navigating Changes in Irish Healthcare: A Conversation with Bernard Gloster, HSE Chief Executive, and Albert Murphy, Chair of the National Joint Council

Archyde: Mr. gloster, thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive straight in.What sparked the immediate need for extending staff working hours?

Gloster:

Recent public-only contracts for consultants and provisions in the public service pay deal have created an impetus to improve access to services over seven days. We must adapt swiftly to meet the evolving needs of our patients.

archyde: mr. Murphy, you’ve expressed concerns about the HSE’s recent actions. Can you explain why?

Murphy:

The manner of this announcement has been unusual. We had scheduled consultations for the following week, and the 2008 agreement clearly outlines the process for expanding weekend services. The unilateral move has caught us off guard.

Archyde: Ms. Gloster, you mentioned the goal is to improve patient access to care. How do you envision this change benefiting patients and the healthcare system?

Gloster:

By providing more consistent care throughout the week, we aim to reduce patient waiting times, ease pressure on staff, and ultimately enhance patient experiences and safety. This shift aligns with the government’s mandate for a more decisive shift in staff working arrangements.

Archyde: Mr. Murphy,considering the concerns raised,what would you propose as the best way forward?

Murphy:

we must return to the negotiating table,engage in open dialog,and work together to find a sustainable solution that respects existing agreements and considers the well-being of staff. We owe it to the patients and our dedicated workforce to get this right.

Archyde: Lastly, would either of you like to share your thoughts on how we can balance service accessibility with staff workload and burnout?

Thoughts from Our Readers

What are your thoughts on the extended roster changes? How can we ensure these changes benefit patients and staff alike? Share your insights in the comments below.