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Rotunda Cannot Have 'a La Carte' Approach
The hospital must report whether 14 consultants on public-only contracts kept doing private maternity work, and the minister has raised compensation for affected women.
- The Rotunda Maternity Hospital faces an end-of-business deadline today to provide the Health Service Executive with a list of consultants on public-only contracts performing private work. The HSE warned the hospital that its response will determine whether funding is withheld or withdrawn.
- Last week at the Oireachtas Health Committee, Rotunda Master Professor Sean Daly confirmed the practice continues despite a directive to stop. In March 2023, the Sláintecare initiative introduced public-only contracts; 70% of consultants signed agreements prohibiting private work in public hospitals.
- Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill warned the hospital faces potential defunding if it fails to align with policy. Of the 32 consultants providing maternity care at the Rotunda, 14 are on public-only contracts yet continue private practice.
- On Saturday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned the board to reflect on its decision not to fully implement public-only contracts. The Department of Health refused to meet hospital management until they agree to align with government policy.
- Sinn Féin health spokesperson David Cullinane urged both sides to resolve the dispute, calling any standoff "unseemly." He affirmed his party backs public-only contracts, arguing that consultants are paid well "to do public work.
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Left
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
63% Left
L 63%
C 25%
12%
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