Blog: Updated Safe Start Guide for doctors new to medical practice in Ireland

Are you a doctor who is new or returning to medical practice in Ireland? We are pleased to announce that we have updated our Safe Start Guide (Safe Start) to contain new, revised and up-to-date guidance to support doctors who are new or returning to practice in Ireland.

Safe Start will help you understand the general requirements when practising medicine in Ireland and equip you with the relevant information to help you navigate key professional responsibilities. We encourage all doctors to familiarise themselves with it, particularly if you are new to practice or returning to practice.

What’s new

We have updated information on communication skills, the Irish healthcare system, your wellbeing, consent, prescribing, end of life care and medical record keeping.

We have also added new sections on regulatory requirements when practising medicine in Ireland, patient safety, raising concerns, open disclosure, protected disclosure and confidentiality.

Throughout Safe Start there is an emphasis on the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners which sets out expectations of doctors on matters relating to professional conduct and ethics. Safe Start pulls together key national policies, initiatives and legislation that apply when practising in Ireland, along with introducing readers to key bodies, organisations and structures in the Irish medical landscape.

If you have any feedback or questions in relation to Safe Start, please feel free to contact us.