Written answers

Thursday, 11 March 2021

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

226. To ask the Minister for Health the measures his Department has put in place to support non-consultant hospital doctors from outside Europe who are working or wish to work in Ireland and who can assist in reducing staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13708/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the significant role highly-skilled non-EEA doctors play in the Irish health system.

I was happy last November to remove barriers to accessing postgraduate training for non-EEA qualified doctors, when I signed an order commencing Sections 97 and 100 of the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020.

Since November 2020, all doctors who are currently registered in, or have established eligibility for registration in, the General Division of the Medical Council Register are now eligible for registration in the Trainee Specialist Division.

The established International Medical Graduate Training Initiative (IMGTI) provides a structured route for non-EEA doctors to gain access to clinical experience and training in Ireland, and further enables the HSE to reduce the number of non-training scheme doctors in the health system. Owing to the well-acknowledged positive impact of IMGTI, plans are currently underway to develop and expand the number of specialties and source countries participating on these programmes, to increase further the number of doctors in training. This programme provides a structured route for non-EEA doctors to gain access to clinical experience and training in Ireland.

For those NCHDs who hold an NCHD contract with the HSE, and are not enrolled in a postgraduate training programme, the HSE has put in place a number of provisions to support their professional development such as:

- Continuous Professional Development Support Scheme

The continuous professional development support scheme (CPD–SS) is funded by the HSE to facilitate NCHDs, who are not in training posts, to continue to maintain and enhance their clinical knowledge and skills, and also to maintain their professional competence in line with Medical Council requirements. Under this scheme, eligible NCHDs are able to undertake training and educational activities of up to 20 external credits or three days per annum, whichever is greatest. NCHDs who register for this scheme are provided free access to a range of clinical courses/activities provided by all Irish medical training bodies. The HSE is committed to enhancing the educational offering for NCHDs not presently enrolled in a postgraduate training programme, and are currently working with postgraduate training bodies to explore further developments which can be offered under this scheme.

- Training Support Scheme (TSS)

The Training Support Scheme (TSS), introduced in July 2019, provides a fund of up to €1,250 per annum, allowing an NCHD to apply for reimbursement for approved exams, courses, or conferences. This scheme is open to all NCHDs.

- Clinical Course Exam Refund Scheme (CCERS)

The Clinical Course Exam Refund Scheme provides funding towards an approved list of clinical courses and exams, such as membership/fellowships examinations, and Advanced Cardiac Life Suppport (ACLS). Since July 2019, the full costs of approved examination/courses are eligible for refund to NCHDs under the Clinical Course Exam Refund Scheme (CCERS) – this was previously capped at €450.

Claims under both the CCERS and TSS can now be made easily via an NCHD’s National Employment Record, which allows NCHDs to submit claims online, and provides complete transparency in terms of claims they may have made, and the balance of funds remaining.

- E-portfolio

National Doctors Training and Planning Unit in the HSE has commenced the development of an E-Portfolio/Logbook accessible to NCHDs via their National Employment Record.

The principal objective of the E-Portfolio is to allow NCHDs, who are not on a formal training scheme, access to a generic standard document in which they can record their training and career development. It will also give them the opportunity to have their experience validated by their supervising consultant, where applicable. All NCHDs will be able to access the E-Portfolio. The E-Portfolio will be launched in the coming months.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.