IMO statement on new Covid-19 Restrictions

Tuesday, August 18^th, 2020.  The President of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has said that the new restrictions announced by the Government this evening are necessary to respond to the increasing Covid-19 case numbers which have emerged in recent weeks.  Dr. McGarry said that the situation required a strong response and welcomed the announcement of the new measures by the Government. 

Dr. McGarry said that the vast majority of people have responded to the Covid-19 crisis amazingly well; “there has been a lot of criticism but most people deserve nothing but credit for how they have responded to this crisis since March and we need to tap into that spirit again now for the coming weeks.”

However Dr. McGarry also warned that the outlook for the health services in the coming months remained challenging with long waiting lists, an ongoing recruitment crisis and an exhausted workforce; “Health services staff have been battling this crisis now for six months and are exhausted.”

“There are a number of issues that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency, such as the ongoing consultant pay disparity of 30+%, the need to grant consultant status to public health specialists and the need to support GPs through what will be a very busy winter.”

Dr. McGarry also stressed that people experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 should contact their doctor immediately. “If you believe you have any symptoms of Covid-19, please contact your GP without delay who will arrange a test.”

Issued on behalf of the Irish Medical Organisation by Gordon MRM