Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha:

The framework on safe staffing that we discussed earlier recommended that nurse managers would be supernumerary to the roster, that is, they would have the right to manage their staff and to do all that goes with managing a ward. Unfortunately, because of the staffing levels, that is not always possible. In fact, it is the norm for nurse managers to take a patient caseload as well as carry out their management functions and that is simply not possible. That causes burnout. Nurse managers tell us that in some cases nurses, some of whom are not even trained, are taking charge of areas. Employment controls are in place and there are not enough staff working. This means that nurse managers go on duty to find that instead of the six nurses required, there are only three. Patient volumes have increased because the emergency department is overcrowded and there are additional trolleys on the ward. What do the nurse managers do? It is impossible. If the nurse manager makes a mistake or if there is an omission of care, he or she will be referred to the registration body to determine fitness to practise. That is the strain under which nurse managers are working. It is inhumane. That is the only word that describes it adequately. The employer's health and safety obligations are being completely ignored in these circumstances. The employer is obliged to provide a safe place of work for nurses and midwives. They go to work with the aim of doing a good day's work but they are being prevented from providing safe care because of the moratorium. The system does not discriminate positively towards front-line staff, which it should do.