Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Mulvany and Mr. Gloster. I want to raise concerns around staffing levels. I was speaking to somebody recently. I know I am confining my questions to just one area. In the high observation unit, unit 5B, I understand there should be four staff on at any one time. In recent weeks, there have only been two. In the last few days, there have been four. If staff are out sick, are there plans for how to replace those people? Does it involve agency people? Sometimes, it just does not happen.

In a high observation unit, I would expect staffing levels to be at full capacity.

I am aware of a patient in the area who was to see a physiotherapist in the past six months, but the physiotherapist has still not materialised. There seem to be discrepancies in certain areas. I had a personal experience in the hospital recently and the service was second to none. It was really good, but there are niche areas where it is falling down.