Written answers

Thursday, 26 January 2012

Department of Health

Health Service Staff

5:00 pm

Photo of Billy KelleherBilly Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 220: To ask the Minister for Health if he has discussed the issue of the large cohort of nursing staff in particular leaving the health services in February and the impact this will have on front-line services; if it will impact on the quality of patient care; his views that the Health Service Executive will manage this transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4618/12]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government has determined that, in line with its commitment to reduce the size of the public service, health sector employment numbers must be reduced to approximately 102,000 in 2012. The most recent HSE data indicates that, over the two-month period to end-February 2012, some 2,100 health service staff will retire from the health service. Of this figure approximately 1,000 are nurses.

The cumulative impact of staff reductions from this year and previous years represents a significant challenge for the health system in delivering services. The priority is to reform how health services are delivered in order to ensure a more productive and cost effective health system. The HSE National Service Plan includes a commitment to addressing necessary reforms within the context of the Public Service Agreement. It also commits the HSE to minimising the impact on services by fast-tracking new, innovative and more efficient ways of using reduced resources, including greater flexibilities in work practices and rosters (especially of nursing and medical staff).

Given the need to maintain the quality of patient care, I have asked the HSE to submit, as a matter of urgency, its assessment of the likely impact of retirements to the end of February, to identify particular pressure points and to develop appropriate measures to deal with significant departures in a given service or area. I also intend to review the Service Plan once the full impact of the staff leaving at the end of the 29 February "grace period" is known.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.