Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

328. To ask the Minister for Health his plans regarding the severe staff shortages in the maternity unit at Mayo University Hospital, particularly in view of the strike action being taken by INMO midwives at the hospital due to what they describe as a severe shortage of midwives and ongoing clinical risks to mothers and babies at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38529/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Further to the recent threat of industrial action taken by INMO midwifery staff regarding staffing shortages in the maternity unit in Mayo University Hospital (MUH), local management and Saolta Group HR have been in regular contact with the INMO on this matter and management are endeavouring to address it. Both parties have agreed to refer the matter to the Workforce Relations Commission for their assistance in seeking a resolution, and any industrial action by the INMO has been suspended pending those discussions taking place.

There are currently no permanent vacant posts in the maternity department/labour ward. There were four midwives appointed in 2016 to vacant posts and two WTE maternity leaves are replaced by new graduates of September 2016.

In terms of additional posts, MUH is currently in the process of recruiting a Bereavement Clinical Nurse Specialist and has established a training position for obstetric sonography. It has sought approval for a number of new posts for the Maternity Department including a Clinical Midwife Manager 3, Clinical Midwife Specialist Lactation Consultant, Clinical Midwife Manager 2 shift leaders, which will amount to four whole time equivalents; obstetric emergency staffing for the out of hours theatre service and a clinical audit nurse. MUH is working with the Saolta Group and the HSE nationally in relation to these posts. Interviews for a new post of Director of Midwifery will take place this month and if a suitable candidate can be identified it is expected the post will be filled early next year. Significant work has been and is being undertaken in relation to supporting the maternity services at Mayo University Hospital.