AQO 697/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 20/06/2024
Answered On Date: 23/07/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether Health and Social Care Trusts are progressing with plans to publish all doctors' rotas, in line with recommended guidance.

Answer:

As you will be aware junior doctors in Northern Ireland are employed under the Single Lead Employer. They work in a number of host HSC organisations, who are responsible for developing, issuing and monitoring the working patterns/ rotas of junior doctors. Under the current guidance it is recommended that trainees receive their rotas a minimum of 6 weeks prior to taking up post. The NI Medical and Dental Training Agency is responsible for providing the postings to host organisations following the completion of their recruitment campaigns. NIMDTA has confirmed that all allocations for August 2024 have been released to employing organisations with adequate notice to enable HSC Trusts to prepare and issue their rotas.

I have been advised by the host organisations (HSC Trusts) that they are making every effort to provide their junior doctors with rotas six weeks prior to the trainees taking up their posts. They have however, advised that this is not always possible due to vacancies appearing on the postings at late notice. In cases where the host organisation is unable to provide a rota within the recommended timeframe they state that they advise the trainees, and will where possible provide an indicative rota.