IHCA statement on weekend staffing

“Consultants have no issue working at weekends — in fact, they have done so for decades as part of their commitment to patient care. This is further underscored by the reality that two-thirds of all consultants have voluntarily signed up to a new contract since 2023, which explicitly includes weekend work as a core requirement. The notion that weekend care is something new for consultants is inaccurate. What we do welcome in this agreement is the provision of additional support staffing at weekends to enable our members to continue delivering care safely and effectively. 
 
“However, it must be acknowledged that there is a finite number of consultants in the system. Simply rearranging rosters does not address the underlying and chronic issues facing our health service. The core problem remains a capacity crisis — a shortage of beds, staff, and facilities — and any initiative that suggests otherwise risks creating a misleading sense of reassurance. We will continue to support all measures that genuinely enhance access and outcomes for patients, but real solutions will require long-term investment and structural reform.” 
 
ENDS 
 
Aiden Corkery | aiden.corkery@finnpartners.com | (087) 0505904