Professor Randall Hayes of Queen’s University, Belfast will chair the group which will analyse the difficulties in the current system, take account of the lessons learned and chart a local approach to the way forward. The group was as set up after the Minister following his decision to review the recruitment process used this year following an Assembly debate on 22 May.
Speaking after a meeting with Professor Hayes, the Minister said: “I am pleased to announce that the review I announced in the Assembly on 22 May is underway. I am confident that we can deliver a local solution to this problem which addresses the anxieties felt throughout the service locally not least of all amongst our doctors in training. I look forward to receiving Professor Hayes’ report later this year.”
The Chair of the Review, Professor Hayes stated: “I know that serious concerns have been voiced surrounding the local recruitment of doctors in training. One of my first priorities will be to learn from key stakeholders about the impact the recruitment process has had this year, and what lessons can be learned.
“Furthermore, I will examine the flexibility of specialty training which has been the subject of widespread comment. I will also take cognisance of the wider review of medical reforms being led by Sir John Tooke and any other UK developments. I look forward to the challenge this review presents and aim to deliver a solution that works best for the local situation.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. A review of recruitment into junior doctor specialty training was announced by the Minister in a debate on 22 May.
2. The full membership of the group is:
- Professor Randal Hayes (Chair);
- Mr Pat McCartan – Chair of the Belfast Trust;
- Mrs Elaine Way – Chief Executive, Western Trust;
- Dr Paddy Loughlan - Medical Director, Southern Trust;
- Dr Raj Rajenden - Chairman of the Northern Ireland Junior Doctors Committee BMA; and
- Mrs Diane Taylor – Deputy Director, Human Resources, DHSSPS.
3. Photographs are available for download at the DHSSPS Photogallery www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/photogallery
For further information contact DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90 520505
