by Bernie English
MANAGEMENT at the University Hospital in Limerick has defended its record on having staff work excess overtime after the hospital was fined for breaching the European directive on working hours.
The hospital was fined €135,415 between January and May for breaches of the European Working Time Directive which states that no employee should work more than 48 hours in a week or more than 24 hours on a single shift.
In a statement to the Limerick Post, a hospital spokesperson said that major efforts are being made to comply with the directive.
“UL Hospitals Group is committed to the implementation of the European Working Time Directive for non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs). Compliance is monitored on an ongoing basis and any issues that require action are reviewed through the EWTD Steering Group.
“The UL Hospitals Group had, as of the end of May 2015, achieved 85 per cent compliance with the directive’s 24-hour shift requirement and 81 per cent compliance in ensuring nobody worked longer than 48 hours in one week. UL Hospitals continues to work towards achieving full compliance with the directive for its NCHDs”, the statement concluded.
