At least 56 vacancies in nursing and caring roles in Kerry Hospitals have been highlighted by Independent TD, Danny Healy-Rae, who says the HSE staffing embargo put in place before the end of 2023 is leaving many vulnerable and sick people compromised on a daily basis.
The Kerry TD says that he has contacted the Minister for Health on the issue, saying “it is shocking and disgraceful that these posts are vacant with so many waiting for beds”.
He said that the following posts are waiting to be filled in Hospitals in Kerry :
“All these posts are waiting to be filled under the HSE safe staffing guidelines, beds will remain idle or closed until these posts are filled,” Dputy Healy-rae said.
He said that “this is due to the HSE staffing embargo put in place before the end of 2023 leaving many vulnerable and sick people compromised on a daily basis.”
“This is shocking given the huge waiting lists and people crying out for respite and long stay beds every day,” he added. “I have asked the Minister for Health what he is going to do to address this as a mater of urgency.”
The much-criticised HSE ban on hiring, which has been in place since last October for most HSE grades, was lifted in July with 2,350 new jobs to be advertised for this year.