The health and safety of patients and doctors in Irish hospitals is being compromised due to the "unsafe and illegal" hours junior doctors are required to work, according to the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO).

A survey of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) conducted by the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) found that 83% of young doctors are “routinely” working unsafe and illegal working hours in contravention of the Organisation of Working Time Act. 

Some 77% of NCHDs reported being pressurised by their employer to work extra shifts – often at short notice – to cover gaps in rotas.

The IMO will consider the results of the survey at its AGM in Killarney from April 4-7. The survey was conducted in February to develop a national picture of NCHD working conditions and attitudes since the introduction of the HSE recruitment freeze. 

Key survey results:

• 83% of NCHDs are routinely working unsafe and illegal working hours in contravention of the Organisation of Working Time Act, creating an environment that is inherently unsafe for patients and doctors.
• 77% of NCHDs are being pressurised by their employer to work extra shifts, often at short notice, to cover gaps in the rota.  This is a key factor in high levels of NCHD burnout and stress.
• Almost 100% of NCHDs cite excessive hours, poor supports and challenging working conditions as the key driver for doctor emigration.
• 75% of NHDs do not feel valued, respected or supported by their employer
• 88% say they have had to query their salary due to underpayment for overtime or other pay issues.