In October 2000 George McNiece, Chief Executive Officer announced and circulated the findings of the IMOs benchmark study. This survey of IMO members concentrated on issues that are perceived to impede or compromise the lives of doctors in active practice. All 4 categories of doctors were included GPs, Consultants, Public Health Doctors, NCHDs. A total of 1560 replies were received. Medical manpower needs urgent planning.
All groups are concerned about increasing workloads and inadequate resources.
More productivity is being sought from already overworked doctors. The onerous clinical commitments make it difficult to avail of CME training Funding of the health service is unsatisfactory. Despite the country s newly found wealth we are adhering to cost curtailment policies. Funding is still below the EU average. The quality of existing services is good but we need more of them.