Medical Council President writes to all Doctors in Ireland this Christmas

Thursday, 22nd December, 2022: Dr Suzanne Crowe, the President of the Medical Council, has written to all members of the profession, acknowledging the challenges faced during 2022, and the commitment and dedication of our medical professionals throughout the year.

Recognising the resilience of the medical profession despite the pressure the health service is under, Dr Crowe said "Pressures in the health service continued, but powerful lessons learned from the early days of the pandemic and cyber attack showed that positive change can happen. And it can happen quickly when there is a will."

She also highlighted the war in Ukraine, and the efforts made by Irish medical professionals in this respect: "I am also extremely proud of all those involved in healthcare delivery around the country and how they have stepped up to support and care for those arriving into Ireland, often on top of a very busy existing workload."

Dr Crowe referenced Irish doctors working abroad, saying "You may have left for various reasons, and some of the issues that lead you to emigrate may not have been addressed but there truly is a real feeling that change is happening, and conditions will improve." while also assuring them they would be welcomed back with open arms. 

The letter is also available as a video message, which can be viewed here.

Letter to doctors from President of the Medical Council:

Dear colleagues,

2022 proved another difficult year for the Irish health service.  As we moved through the early months of the year, the impact of COVID continued on day-to-day services. Vaccinations continued to be rolled out, restrictions were gradually lifted, and the catch up on clinical care accelerated.  
 
Pressures in the health service continued, but powerful lessons learned from the early days of the pandemic and cyber attack showed that positive change can happen. And it can happen quickly when there is a will. Our health service is on a pathway of change, through further implementation of Sláintecare, the continuing work on the Regional Health Areas, the NCHD Taskforce and the new consultant contracts to name but a few. To borrow a phrase “a lot done, more to do”.
  
The world was taken aback in February of 2022 by the speed and aggression shown by Russia in Ukraine. This unjust conflict has seen the largest displacement of people in Europe in such a long time and I am proud to see Ireland opening our doors to refugees fleeing the conflict. I am also extremely proud of all those involved in healthcare delivery around the country and how they have stepped up to support and care for those arriving into Ireland, often on top of a very busy existing workload. At the start of the conflict, we had 14 doctors from Ukraine working in Ireland. Now the number of doctors from Ukraine in Ireland exceeds 250.
 
Working in partnership, the Medical Council, the NDTP, the HSE, the Forum of Postgraduate Training Bodies and the Department of Health are working to support these doctors to return to practise with training supports, CPD courses, online resources being made available with more supports being put in place to allow these doctors, if they wish, to work in Ireland in a supported manner. This work and the pathways being developed will also apply to other doctors from around the world who have been left with no choice but to flee their homes in order to protect their families and themselves.

The Medical Council is continuing on its path of change. We are refocusing our efforts to become a responsive and compassionate regulator, utilising the data and research available and moving to a model of right touch regulation which will further enhance our role in protecting patients and in supporting doctors. One such example is the growing number of women practising medicine in Ireland. Following contact from several doctors this year we were pleased to introduce a six-month refund on registration fees for doctors on maternity leave. This small change, the first of many to come, will hopefully be of some help.
  
In September we published our Medical Workforce Intelligence Report. The report provided a detailed analysis of the Medical Council’s registration data, focusing on demographics of those retaining and withdrawing from the medical register in Ireland. Much of the report highlights deficits in the system and the resulting risks attached to patient safety and care. The Report is a central document in informing workforce planning and improved patient safety in Ireland containing significant findings, which need to be addressed collaboratively amongst policymakers, educators, planners and employers.
  
The Christmas and New Year period can be a difficult time for many. Professionally or personally, many will have had difficult days. We may have lost a patient that we had became particularly close to, or we could have lost a loved one. If you find this time of year difficult, I encourage you to take the time to talk to someone, be it a friend, a family member, a colleague or a trained professional who can support you. Remember as a doctor you have an ethical duty to care for yourself and that extends very much to both your emotional and mental health.
 
I want to thank those doctors who are volunteering to work over the Christmas holidays to allow their colleagues who are celebrating to be with their families at Christmas. I truly hope that this is done in return by your colleagues and those responsible for rostering when it comes to holidays you want to celebrate with your families throughout the year. We must support each other.
  
At this time of year, I always find myself thinking about all those Irish educated doctors who have left Ireland and are working across the globe away from your families. I truly hope that you are succeeding in your careers, gaining additional experience, and are thriving. You may have left for various reasons, and some of the issues that lead you to emigrate may not have been addressed but there truly is a real feeling that change is happening, and conditions will improve. I want you to know, that if you are ready and it is something you wish to do, the Medical Council, the health service, the patients of Ireland (and I’m sure your family and friends too) will welcome you home with open arms at any stage.
  
I wish you all a very peaceful, safe and happy festive season, with every good wish for the New Year.
 
With every best wish, 
 
Dr Suzanne Crowe,
President