Ms Ashley Connolly:

To expand on that, it is throughout the wider health sector. Our members working in the disability services and social care constantly have to work additional shifts because there are not enough staff to provide the service that is needed. In respite care or residential settings, not enough staff are available and we are no longer retaining staff because they are burnt out and are looking to other areas. Some are moving into ICT or other administrative fields after spending years to train in a profession they love. They are so exhausted that they cannot keep working additional shifts week in, week out to provide a little bit of service when all they want to do is provide the best care possible. That is just not possible, however, unless we start tackling this.

I fully agree with the Deputy that we cannot just have these discussions every so often. We need clear recommendations in order that we can move these conversations along. Our members are tired of hearing the same stories and the false promises. What they want to see is real change. We believe the discussion on the RHAs will be pivotal to bringing about real change and now is the time to start cementing down what is required.