Irish Medical Organisation

Less than 10 per cent of 400,000 newly eligible people have availed of scheme

Survey by union found 83% routinely working hours in contravention of legislation

Varadkar said he sent a friend a contract because he wanted to reach an agreement with the National Association of General Practitioners that would be similar to a Irish Medical Organisation deal

Nine out of 10 doctors in Ireland experience mental health difficulties linked to their work and most keep this private because of fear of stigma. Almost 60 per cent have no time to eat, drink or use the toilet while at work

Organisation says freeze, which was announced in October, makes deal struck with the HSE a year ago to address staff shortages and working conditions inoperable

Invitation from Government on deal to replace Building Momentum, which expires at end of year, expected to be accepted

Health service needs to be fully digitised within five years, group says in pre-budget submission

Irish Medical Organisation vice-president warns general practice capacity ‘very tight’ and extension of card scheme will add further pressure

Process of allocating cards to people paid up to the median income is being staggered across income levels to ensure HSE has the capacity to process high number of applications expected

Government introduced new consultant contracts earlier this year amid opposition

Judge ruled case met low threshold of containing legal grounds that are ‘arguable’

With the next election starting to loom, the Government has finally reached a deal on the voter-friendly proposal, though at the elevated price tag of €130 million

About 430,000 people earning under median household income will also qualify for GP visit cards under changes

Calls for a ‘care partner’ scheme to be set up to enable residents in care – either in nursing homes or hospitals – to have at least one advocate to support them

Bernard Gloster says seven-day working ‘isn’t just about the June bank holiday weekend’ as IMO warns bed capacity and doctor retention must be addressed

Lack of policies cause ‘ultra-processed foods and excessive red and processed meat’ to dominate

About €208m paid to 142,000 staff but small number still to receive payment, says Minister

Medicine is a 'female-dominated profession in a system designed for single, unattached males,’ IMO conference told

‘Without funding a proper free-for-all health service there’s no point in giving more doctor visit cards’, say GPs at IMO conference

Addressing IMO conference in Killarney, Donnelly pushes back against doctors’ reservations on free GP care and new consultant contract

If you work at a GP’s practice or have been struggling to get an appointment we’d like to hear from you

Group of top 21 doctors write letter arguing ‘avoidable misery’ is being caused by the drug – including record hospital admissions

Dr Mick Molloy says patients on waiting lists for years view EDs as a way to fast-track surgery

Consultants give cold shoulder to public-only contract intended to end system allowing doctors to treat private patients in public hospitals

Fifty-five per cent of current consultants said they will not switch to the new contract,

The contract, due to start on Wednesday, will see extended hours in the evenings and at weekends

Many doctors see gender-based issues as impacting significantly upon their careers, recent research shows

IMO survey highlights abuses and need for supports such as on-site childcare to achieve greater equality

Sylvia Chambers says she is routinely abused and threatened by parents, with trouble sometimes starting at reception desk

Minister says agreement with organisations ‘can help get more’ senior medics on board to address shortcomings

Dr Denis McCauley says move would result in a ‘politically induced health crisis’

Doctors’ organisations say they have not yet agreed to the new contract and have warned the Minister for Health not to proceed without their agreement

Delegation from Newfoundland and Labrador visiting Ireland to lure doctors and nurses abroad

Amid a GP shortage, many of those remaining are struggling to keep up with mammoth workloads

GPs called on to work extra hours during ‘exceptional period’ facing health service

Irish Medical Organisation ballots its 7,500 members, with 81% of votes cast accepting agreement

IMO recommends acceptance of deal, saying it will lead to end of ‘unsafe and illegal hours’ for its members

Testing will be provided by GPs and ambulance staff under longer-term plan

Night-time sector and young people welcome a move to revive an industry that was ‘dying on its feet’

Unions say that unless working conditions are improved, Irish healthcare staff will continue to emigrate