However Dr McGarry said the simple fact was that the country had far too few doctors right across the system, in hospitals, in general practice and in public health.
“It is not enough to thank people for their efforts, Government must actually support a proactive recruitment programme and financially support a fast track programme for additional beds and services. The women and men of our health system have risen to the challenges that Covid-19 has presented. We continue to work to care for our patients but we need to see ongoing support from the Government.”
The IMO, Dr McGarry said, would seek to negotiate with any incoming Government “on the scale and focus of a badly needed investment programme for the health services”. He said priorities for the IMO would include:- Investment to recruit and retain doctors to work in the health service here, including targeted measures to address our unprecedented number of consultant vacancies.
- Investment programme for general practice which has proven its pivotal position in the frontline of the public health response to Covid-19. - Investing in and supporting our public health doctors and recognising their invaluable contribution to national health policy and the well-being of the nation.