Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise a matter related to the regional hospital but this time it is not the waiting lists, though in another way it is. I refer to the long Covid clinics, which were due to open but have not yet opened. There are at least 24 people on a waiting list. While they are receiving care within the hospital and are being triaged, there are many people who have respiratory problems and other issues associated with long Covid. I call for the clinic to open as soon as possible. These people feel ill and it must be followed up on.

The other issue with the hospital is one I raised last week. There is a shortage of many specialists. I believe the issue with the Covid clinic also has to do with getting specialised staff. There must be some sort of incentive to encourage people, especially those with relevant qualifications, to apply for jobs. There needs to be a fresh way of thinking to get continuity and encourage people to apply for jobs. Working in the medical field is a very important role but we must encourage people to stay here and work in the various roles. We need to think afresh and find some way of incentivising and encouraging people to stay and work in our hospitals.