Labour Court recommends Beaumont Hospital consultant remain on current on-call hours

The Labour Court recommended that a Beaumont Hospital consultant continue working his current level of on-call hours, with roster disputes handled through normal procedures. The consultant, represented by the Irish Medical Organisation, had appealed an Adjudication Officer’s recommendation concerning his on-call allocation. The consultant sought exclusion from the rota, while the hospital said his contract required him to take part and that his current allocation was reasonable. The Court found that his half-time contract provided for on-call duties and considered his current hours met the hospital’s requirements. It also said better engagement with those on the roster might have prevented the dispute escalating. The recommendation was signed on 8 August 2023.