New president’s challenge

Independent Doctors Federation (IDF) annual general meeting

IDF new president Dr Brian O’Connor said it was ‘a privilege and a challenge’ to be in post at a time of big change in the private medical sector.

He looked forward to the profession ‘gaining lost ground’ and said without doctors’ contribution and engagement in the independent care sector, private practice would cease to flourish.

The IDF had enjoyed some successful negotiations with private medical insurers, he said.

 Consultant gastroenterologist Dr Sean Preston is the new chairman of the IDF Specialists’ Committee.