Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter to which I am replying on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly.

The question put to the Minister by the Deputy was: "To ask the Minister for Health if he will publish the plan for dealing with midwifery services, particularly in Holles Street, which may be affected by retirements at the end of the month". There is no indication in this question of the additional issues raised by the Deputy. I ask him, therefore, to excuse me if I do not respond to them. Any additional information required will be provided for the Deputy.

The Minister is aware of the impact the early retirement package will have on the provision of maternity services and all services nationally. He has requested the HSE to prioritise the safety of patients and the avoidance of risk in the delivery of services for them. Planning for the delivery of health services is undertaken within the context of the annual national service planning process which ensures all factors, including budgets and staffing levels and any other emerging issues, including the impact of retirements, are factored in in the plan for the services to be delivered within the coming year. In parallel with this process, each of the HSE's four regions is required to develop a more detailed regional service plan. Managing the specific risks associated with the forthcoming retirements has been undertaken within this planning context and will form part of the soon to be published regional service plans.

It is anticipated that 9.16 whole-time equivalent midwives and nurses will retire from Holles Street Hospital.

The hospital is planning to take a number of steps to minimise the impact of these retirements and to ensure the ongoing delivery of safe services for mothers and babies. Some of the posts affected are in the management area and their duties will be reallocated among other staff. The hospital is examining options around re-organisation of wards and rosters to minimise the impact on services to patients. Contingency plans and measures are in place at service level and will continue to be refined in advance of the end of February deadline and will focus on staff redeployment, streamlining and cross-cover arrangements. In addition, revised staff rosters and skill mix options are also being utilised.

The accelerated implementation of the national clinical programmes are key strategic supports to the risk management process which is in place around these retirements. The related work of the special delivery unit on emergency departments, surgical and outpatient waiting times and reorganisation of specialist medical services and bed utilisation will also be critical in supporting the achievement of overall resource management in the coming year. The national service plan recognises that certain positions may need to be filled, subject to the overall pay and number targets for 2012 being met. Agency staff may be used where there is a critical requirement. However, any reliance on agency staff will be in the context of the HSE's objective to reduce overall agency costs by 50% in 2012. The Minister is determined to ensure the measures being taken now will lead to a smooth transition in services for patients following the retirement of staff at the end of February. I again thank the Deputy for raising the matter.

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