‘Caredoc, show you care’.
That was the call from INMO and SIPTU members during yesterday’s protest outside the organisation’s office in Carlow which highlighted an 8% pay lift they believe should have been delivered two years ago.
Their healthcare services in 15 counties, including Carlow & Kilkenny, could be disrupted this Christmas because of planned industrial action which is set to begin on the 18th of December.
KCLR News’ Dermot Keyes met with some of those out protesting (please note you’ll hear an ambulance siren in the recording);
Meanwhile, a letter sent by Caredoc management to staff, which has been seen by KCLR News, outlines how it wants to ‘correct the record about some inaccurate claims made in recent days about the upcoming industrial action being threatened by INMO & SIPTU union members’.
It outlines a number of important points including that Caredoc fully supports their campaign for pay increases and insists its tried to get back all pay lost by staff from the HSE.
It acknowledges the pay gap between those working in the HSE services and those in Caredoc must be bridged and that it’s seeking to get staff on the HSE pay scale while also seeking the back payment of wages and salaries.
They say the 8% increase being sought seemingly cannot be paid because of the HSE’s refusal to pay the money required to meet that payment.
A spokesperson for Caredoc’s unavailable for comment.
KCLR News also contacted the HSE – here’s their reply;
“The HSE Dublin and South East works closely with Caredoc and values the outstanding care provided by this organisation.
Caredoc is an independent entity and receives funding from the HSE in accordance with Service Level Agreements.
In return, Caredoc provides out of hours General Practitioner (GP) services across counties in the South East. Caredoc also provide services in other health regions in Co. Sligo, North Leitrim and West Cavan.
Caredoc also supports the HSE’s Community Intervention Teams, which is a nurse led service available to patients in the South East and South Wicklow and which have been referred to it by hospitals and GPs.
The HSE respects the right of all professional groups to advocate on behalf of their members.”
