Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While the Minister made reference to increased bed numbers, it is very important to understand that this cannot be achieved with a static complement of nursing staff. It is very important that the crisis we have recently witnessed and which continues, is addressed holistically in the round. It cannot be done simply by the introduction of additional beds on wards. If the same complement of nurses remains, then not only patient care will be impacted; despite the best efforts of the heroic nursing staff, the truth and the bottom line is that patient safety can also be compromised. It is hugely important that we have adequate nursing staff recruited. We have to recognise and realise that there are competing locations for our highly qualified new, young nursing graduates. It is very important that every effort is employed to make the opportunity and the contract here as attractive as possible. As I said earlier, it is not just a case of monetary return, but also there is the importance of career path development. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, very rightly highlighted this situation that in the coming months will compound the problem we have been discussing. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that existing staff are retained? What further steps is he taking in order to ensure that not only applications are received but that actual recruitment is the result? On the back of the situation regarding the flu vaccine revelations last Thursday, what steps are now being taken to ensure if it is at all possible that all hospital staff - despite the fact that the flu vaccine is not of the exact match for the flu virus presenting - and all staff across our hospital sites are vaccinated in order to help avoid any loss of service due to contracting the flu virus? Is there a situation now in hand or planned?

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