A new report has recommended that all non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs), formerly known as junior doctors, receive timely induction to equip them for their clinical work.
This would be mandatory induction of four hours within the first two working days at a hospital.
The interim recommendations are contained in the Report of the National Task Force on the NCHD Workforce, published by the Department of Health.
It says that all new NCHDs be given an induction on living and working in Ireland, on issues specific to the hospital and also on lifestyle, family and cultural supports.
The report says that all NCHDs on extended or overnight shifts should have access to a private space for rest, including shower facilities.
There should also be free drinkable water provided.
The report says the doctors should be provided with secure storage for personal belongings and reserved parking overnight, close to the main hospital, which is safe and well lit.
The report says there should be an agreed ratio of consultants to NCHD trainees of 1 consultant to 1.3 NCHDs by 2030.
The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly has written to the head of the HSE to ensure the recommendations are prioritised and implemented.
The Task Force was set up in September 2022 and will now move to make final recommendations for the medium to longer term by the end of October.
