Doctors Settle Dispute on Cover

A BODY representing Irish hospital consultants yesterday called off threatened industrial action in a dispute over medical malpractice cover.

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has accepted reassurances from the government and decided to join with the state in legal action against the Medical Defence Union, a British insurance company.

The consultants had planned to stop all non-emergency duties from March 14, due to the dispute over the state indemnity scheme that replaced their private insurance arrangement with the MDU.

A second group of senior doctors represented by the Irish Medical Organisation has also served strike notice.

Following the introduction of the state scheme the MDU argued that the Irish government should meet the costs arising from malpractice claims that have not yet come to court. The cost of these claims could be €400m.

The state would not accept liability, and consultants fear they may be forced to cover the cost of the actions themselves.

Last week Mary Harney, the tanaiste and minister for health, promised that the state would meet any compensation awards the MDU refused to pay. The department of health also said it would support consultants in legal challenges against the MDU’s decision not to help in defending personal injury claims.

The legal actions are to be handled by the chief state solicitor’s office and will be funded by the government.

Dr Josh Keaveny, the IHCA president said: “The greater share of the blame for this dispute lies with the Medical Defence Union. If no patient and no consultant is left uncovered for past incidents, then a major obstacle between the department of health and us will have been removed.

“This week, the department gave the clear assurances that patients, their families and doctors need. We look forward to working with the tanaiste, the department of health and other agencies in bringing about the reforms which should give patients the health system they need and deserve.”

source: The Times Online (Last Updated: Sunday, 27 February, 2005)

View more articles in our news archive >>