asked the Minister for Health if he has received a protest from the Irish Nurses Organisation against the continued misuse of trained nursing personnel in Irish hospitals; if his attention has been directed to a lack of investment in research in nursing, though this investment was outlined by the WHO as essential to good nursing services; what action he proposes to take on the matter; and when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trained Hospital Nursing Personnel.
56.
The communication to which the Deputy refers mentioned "some of our hospitals" and not Irish hospitals generally. I have written to the Irish Nurses, Organisation indicating the steps being taken to relieve hospital nurses, where practicable, of duties not strictly related to the skilled care of the patient. I think the term "continued misuse" conveys a false impression.
I understand that the Organisation is particularly concerned about the need for auxiliary workers in the wards. As I announced in the House on 21st June last a pilot training scheme for specially selected ward assistants in a county hospital has been formulated. I had hoped that the scheme would have commenced some months ago but some issues raised by the medical staff concerned have only now been resolved. The scheme should be in operation before the end of the year and it will, I hope, provide valuable information as to the best manner in which this new category of hospital worker should be recruited, trained and satisfactorily integrated into the organisation of the care of the patient.
As well as the introduction of auxiliary workers the growth of centralised services such as those being developed by the Hospitals Joint Services Board will, in time, appreciably alter the traditional pattern of nurse activities.
As regards nursing research, I accept that it is important that nursing practice should always keep in tune with community needs. I feel that in our circumstances this can be largely achieved by a process of regular review but I am open to suggestion for specific projects.