3689. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if any breaches of the Public Only Consultant Contract (POCC) have been identified in University Maternity Hospital Limerick (details supplied); to confirm if POCC holders were receiving payment for treating private patients previously; if so, when this practice stopped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57391/26]

Public Only Consultant Contract (POCC) holders are not permitted to engage in private practice within public hospitals. This position is unequivocal. There are no exemptions, arrangements or deviations from the terms of the contract. It is the Minister’s expectation that all hospitals and all consultants are fully compliant with the terms of their contract.

Informal private financial arrangements between consultants, including payments or “gifts” for patient cover, are not approved, are not condoned by the Department or the HSE, and are inconsistent with the purpose and obligations of the POCC. The Rotunda Hospital and Cork University Maternity Hospital have confirmed to the Joint Committee on Health that this practice has ceased and will no longer be tolerated. Cross-cover between consultants is a routine and expected part of how public hospital services are delivered. The maternity consultant on duty is responsible for the care of all patients requiring attention, regardless of whether they are public or private patients.

Having investigated this matter, no evidence has emerged that the practice outlined by the Deputy has or was in place at University Maternity Hospital Limerick.

Please find letter attached for confirmation of process and conclusion.

Gifts for consultants