One in four NCHDs hope to work less than full-time in future

One in four NCHDs have expressed a preference for working less than full-time (LTFT) in their future permanent post.

According to a survey of NCHDs, commissioned by National Doctors Training and Planning (NDTP) in summer 2024, 7 per cent of NCHDs are currently working LTFT, while half of respondents indicated they would be likely to opt for LTFT working if it were readily available.

Some 90 per cent of trainees want their future permanent post to be in Ireland.

A total of 2,608 NCHDs participated in the survey, out of a headcount of 9,003, representing a response rate of 29 per cent.

The survey also found 55 per cent of NCHDs were aware of an active NCHD committee at their clinical site, while almost one in two respondents were not aware of the name of their Lead NCHD.

Four in 10 NCHDs were dissatisfied with access to food, rest, showering, and changing facilities at their clinical sites, while three in 10 were dissatisfied with hydration facilities.

Just over half agreed that their site provides protected time for attendance at teaching sessions and the same proportion felt the induction at their site met their needs.

Approximately one in two NCHDs were satisfied with the educational infrastructure, but only one in three were satisfied with simulation space. Some 17 per cent of NCHDs in training posts felt that their work and training were not preparing them well for their future specialist role.

Only 36 per cent would be likely to recommend Ireland to a friend seeking employment as an NCHD, while 33 per cent would be unlikely to do so.

NDTP has developed a “comprehensive action plan” for 2025 that takes the findings into account.

The survey was referenced in the speech HSE CEO Mr Bernard Gloster delivered at the IMO AGM on
26 April.

He noted how the survey found only 40 per cent of NCHDs would likely recommend their current site to a friend and 29 per cent would not.

Addressing Mr Gloster during a question-and-answer session, Chair of the IMO NCHD committee Dr Rachel McNamara said: “I sat here this day last year as you gave your address to the audience here. On that occasion, you gave your commitment to improving the working conditions and lives of NCHDs. I’m sorry to say on the core and fundamental issue of working hours that has not happened. Every day, right across the system, we have NCHDs working illegal and unsafe hours, and each instance of that is the HSE breaking the law.”

In his response, Mr Gloster acknowledged “shortcomings” in HSE practice.

However, he added “this is not just on the employer”, pointing to rises in the NCHD workforce. He said there was a need “for an honest conversation” on the issue.