Flexibility & work-life balance
Being a doctor is both rewarding and challenging. It is important to prioritise self-care and find ways to manage stress. As well as your statutory leave entitlements, there are several flexible training options available which will help you find balance, maintain your wellbeing, and avoid burnout.
It is not uncommon for doctors to work long hours or be on call outside of their regular working hours, but if you feel that your working hours are excessive or unreasonable, you should discuss your concerns with your employer and seek support if necessary.
Leave entitlements
In Ireland, doctors are entitled to annual leave and sick leave. The amount of annual leave you are entitled to will depend on your contract. As a general guideline, doctors are entitled to at least four weeks of paid annual leave per year, in addition to public holidays.
The NCHD Contract states that “All requests for leave must be recommended by the supervising Consultant / Clinical Director and approved by the Employer prior to actual leave dates. Leave will be approved in line with agreed rota and service requirements, and notice is required in accordance with the Employer’s policies.”
Section 9 of the NCHD contract details NCHD leave entitlements.
FAQs
How many days of sick leave can I have?
Under the NCHD contract, you are entitled to up to 35 days full pay and 35 days half pay per year, up to a maximum of 92 days full pay and 91 days half pay over four years.
The procedure for sick leave is as follows:
- Inform your supervising consultant and hospital admin on your first sick day, ideally at least 1 hour before work starts (or by 3 pm for night shifts).
- If you are off for more than two days, submit a medical certificate on the third day.
- Let your employer know when you expect to return as soon as possible.
- You may be paid sick leave if you follow your employer’s sick leave policy.
- A detailed explanation of the sick leave policy is available in Section 9 ‘Leave and Holidays’ of the NCHD contract.
How long is maternity leave?
The amount of maternity leave you are entitled to will depend on your contract and length of service. As a general guideline, female employees are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave, with the option to take an additional 16 weeks of unpaid maternity leave.
During maternity leave, you may also be entitled to maternity pay or maternity benefit, depending on your circumstances. It is important to check your contract and speak to your employer for more information on maternity leave entitlements.
How long is paternity leave?
In Ireland, fathers and partners are entitled to paternity leave when their child is born or adopted. The entitlement to paternity leave is two weeks. During paternity leave, you may be entitled to paternity benefit from the Department of Social Protection, subject to meeting certain eligibility criteria. It is important to check your contract and speak to your employer for more information on paternity leave entitlements.
Flexible working time
Postgraduate trainees enrolled on an accredited postgraduate training programme can access less than full-time training or, in some instances, training in geographical locations more suited to their personal circumstances, while continuing to attain the required competencies and range of experience.
Flexible training schemes are designed to accommodate doctors who have personal or professional commitments that make full-time training difficult. These schemes allow doctors to work less than full-time while still completing their training and progressing in their careers. Part-time training is another option for doctors who wish to work less than full-time.
Remember that working less than full-time may have an impact on your pay, benefits, and career progression. However, these options can provide greater flexibility and work-life balance if you need it. If you are considering working less than full-time, it is important to discuss your options with your employer and seek advice on how to balance your personal and professional lives.
Job-sharing
Job-sharing options are available across postgraduate training bodies. Job-sharing arrangements can be 50% or 60% of full-time, depending on the agreement between the clinical site and training body. To express your interest in a job-sharing arrangement, please contact your medical training body.
NDTP National Supernumerary Flexible Training Scheme
The NDTP Supernumerary Flexible Training Scheme funds up to 32 concurrent participants at 50% time. The scheme is open to NCHDs from year two of basic specialist training (BST) onwards. The scheme allows NCHDs to continue their training in a more flexible manner for a set period. Trainees may need this flexibility for personal reasons such as, but not limited to:
- Caring responsibilities (for example, caring for a child or elderly relative)
- Personal family circumstances
- Health reasons
Trainees must be enrolled in a training programme under the auspices of a postgraduate medical training body recognised by the Medical Council. The HSE National Supernumerary Flexible Training Scheme guide provides details of the scheme and provides information for trainees, training bodies, and employers.
Learn more about the scheme and download the guide.
Post reassignment
The post reassignment process was established to support trainees who have experienced a change in circumstances after commencing training and require a change to the agreed post or rotation. This process is managed by the postgraduate medical training body.
Career breaks
Career breaks can be taken for a variety of reasons, such as personal or family commitments, and can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. These training options can help doctors achieve their career goals while also accommodating their personal and professional needs.