Information for Doctors returning to practice for the purposes of Covid-19
The HSE has asked all healthcare professionals from all disciplines who are not already working in the public health service to register to be on call for Ireland. This will be to work in existing or newly set up facilities, to provide, organise and support the care that’s needed.
See : https://hbsrecruitmentservices.ie/
A number of doctors have volunteered to return to the HSE to assist with the Covid-19 pandemic. These doctors may be coming out of retirement or returning to Ireland to help.
If you are one of the doctors returning to practice, we thank you very much, and we also provide the following guidance to assist you in this return.
1. The Registration Process
The registration process is aligned to the HSE “Be On Call for Ireland” programme.
Therefore, any doctor registering under the Council’s Covid-19 assistance is expected to contact the HSE at the above website.
The registration process is very straightforward, and full details can be found by going to the Council’s specific Covid-19 page on the website https://www.medicalcouncil.ie/existing-registrants-/manage-your-registration/voluntary-withdrawal-and-restoral-.html, noting the only document required is a copy of your passport.
Registration under these arrangements is under section 110 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007. This new provision will enable the Council to take you off the Register, when it has been identified that your services are no longer required.
2. Where should I work?
As the Council’s Covid-19 registration process is aligned to the HSE “Be On Call for Ireland” programme you can only work in assigned HSE posts. This will ensure you have appropriate support and supervision if required, as well as appropriate indemnity cover. The appropriate level of indemnity cover is a legal requirement.
The HSE will assess your suitability for any post based on your recency of practice. It is important to follow the guidance from the HSE in this regard, and ensure you are satisfied you have the requisite level of competency for the relevant role.
3. Should I work outside my discipline?
The HSE’s aim is to appoint workers into their qualified discipline. In exceptional circumstances you may be asked to work outside your discipline in this pandemic situation and you should discuss this with the appropriate management staff within the HSE.
The Medical Council’s guidance states that you should recognise areas of practice which you should not undertake without further training or supervision. Please keep this in mind at all times on assignment to any post.
In emergencies, either in clinical settings or in the community, you should provide assistance or care unless you are satisfied that appropriate care will be provided by others. When considering the care you can offer, you should take into account your own competence and safety.
4. What guidelines should I follow?
The Medical Council is here to support doctors in whatever way it can. It advises doctors to follow their clinical judgment, and best practice insofar as possible. It advises doctors to follow relevant clinical guidelines, HSE guidelines on the Covid-19 pandemic https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/guidanceforhealthcareworkers/, as well as the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics - as far as is practical in the current climate.
The Medical Council encourages doctors – again insofar as it is possible - to keep good notes, and if they are retrospective to label them as such.
5. What if I have an underlying medical condition or concerns about my health?
If you have an underlying medical condition you should disclose this to the HSE. The HSE have advised that they will be guided by Occupational Health in assigning workers/ volunteers to particular care areas. This may mean you will not be placed in a patient-facing role.
The Medical Council urges doctors to practise self-care, to eat well, rest as much as possible, and look after their own health at this difficult time.
6. Where can I find further information?
The HSE has an informative web page at https://hbsrecruitmentservices.ie/faqs/
This outlines frequently asked questions and provides information on the interview process, and occupational health assessments required.
Please ensure to liaise closely with the HSE at this time and follow their guidance and recommendations in taking up any post.
The Medical Council thanks you again for your assistance to the health service at this time.
Please see further guidance on regulation and Covid-19 at the link below:
Regulation and the Medical Council during Covid-19 pandemic