asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that profound dissatisfaction exists amongst the nursing staff in the County Hospital, Portlaoise, by reason of the decision to fill the posts of ward sisters by open competition instead of by seniority amongst the existing staff; and whether he thinks it desirable in the interests of harmony and mutual trust that the Local Appointments Commission machinery be operated in relation to appointments which are generally regarded as matters of internal promotion amongst the nursing staff of a hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoise Hospital Posts.
50.
I have received no representations which would indicate that dissatisfaction exists amongst the nursing staff of the County Hospital, Portlaoise, by reason of the procedure adopted by the local authority for the filling of posts as ward sister at the hospital.
The Local Authority (Officers and Employees) Act, 1926, under which the Local Appointments Commission operates, has not applied to nursing posts of this kind since the passing of an amending Act in 1940.
The Minister says he has received no representations which would indicate that dissatisfaction exists. Is he prepared to accept the tabling of this question as indicative of dissatisfaction that exists among the nursing staff by reason of the manner in which these posts were filled? Would he not agree that in relation to the harmonious running of the hospital, priority should be given to qualified nurses already on the staff in relation to such appointments?
As I understand it, there were five vacancies filled in the past year or so and four of these were secured by nurses actually serving in the hospital.
My information is that there was a fifth.
And the fifth is the cause of the difficulty?
Yes.
There were 11 applicants and nine of these were from the hospital so that there were 32 of the staff nurses in the hospital who did not appear to have any interest. The selection board consisted, apparently, of the county medical officer, the matron and a staff officer from outside the county.
I understand that there were ten applicants who had over seven years service and that while the qualification necessary was general training these had, in addition, midwifery qualifications. I urge the Minister to examine this matter because it would be a source of considerable anxiety if genuine dissatisfaction did exist in the hospital. Would the Minister look into it further?
I am prepared to examine it further but the reference to seniority is not one that I am willing to accept. The union involved and others suggested that seniority should be the only guideline but I cannot accept this as a good principle where nursing is concerned.
What has happened is that these nurses who applied were held to be qualified for appointment and they have been put on a list — those not appointed — which expires on the 31st March next. That list is too short in the first place but apparently as a result of the competition they were held to be qualified and if so, it would appear to be reasonable that appointments should be filled from the staff of the hospital itself.
Until the panel is exhausted?
Yes.
I shall have a look at that.