The HSE has estimated that around 40% of graduate doctors in the Western Region leave this country after completing their studies
102 interns are currently in their final year training in the HSE West area – this involves a 1 year clinical placement.
In a letter to members of the Health Forum West, seen by Clare FM, Regional Co-Ordinator of Acute Services Ms Chris Kane estimates that 40% of these graduates opt to travel abroad.
Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada are among the most popular options with better working hours and improved support and training opportunities among the reasons cited for their decisions.
Ms Keane also admits that many Irish graduates are not attracted to working in smaller hospitals due to what she calls ‘poor rotas’, ‘poor supervision’ and inadequate training and exposure to a complex variety of work.
Ms Keane does state however that many of the graduates do return here after a year or two away, often after choosing to defer their posts.
