Following recent protests by health workers’ unions, the Limerick based Senator Paul Gavan raised a Commencement Matter on the issue but was “disappointed” that Minister Stephen Donnelly did not attend.
Senator Gavan said:
“We have a serious issue around staff shortages in our hospitals which has led to protests by nurses and staff as well as unions balloting their members for strike action on the 14th October.
“The Minister’s statement which was read out on his behalf refers to increases in spending and increases in staff recruitment but no reference to the actual need or the practical realities that nurses and hospital staff face on a daily basis.
“Such a poor response from the Minister who appears to be ignoring the INMO’s concerns is shameful at a time when we know that the crisis in healthcare is costing lives.
“The link between patient safety and staffing levels is well documented. We know only too well the devastating impact staff and bed shortages have had, and continue to have, on University Hospital Limerick in particular.
“The staffing levels must be measured against increases in population, an ageing population, and winter surges in A&E presentations.
“The INMO and SIPTU, at last week’s health committee, pointed out that around 120 cancer patients a day are not receiving treatment because four cancer treatment machines not being utilised due to staff shortages.
“The unions also said that they are increasingly concerned for the mental and physical wellbeing of the members, who are patient-facing staff. According to the INMO survey of staff, almost 70% of respondents reported that their work was impacting their physical health. A further 41% reported that their work negatively affected their psychological wellbeing. 74% of Directors of Public Health Nursing surveyed believe that their staff morale is poor, with no respondents stating that staff morale was excellent.
“The Minister keeps throwing out figures and numbers that should point to improvements in staffing levels but continues to ignore the reality and pressures that nurses and hospital staff are facing – who are now looking at strike action.”
