An agreement has been reached between the HSE and health unions on the introduction of an extended working day and week. This agreement is an attempt to free up beds, and have extended care to patients outside of 9 to 5 office hours.

The agreement would see staff such as consultants, social workers, therapists and administrative staff rostered over seven days, as opposed to five.

To discuss this, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Kevin Figgis, Divisional Head of SIPTU Health Division and Matthew Sadlier, Consultant Psychiatrist and Chair of the IMO’s Consultants Committee.