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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 5

Written Answers. - Staffing Shortages.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

80 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious staffing shortages at Saint Vincent's Hospital, Athlone, County Westmeath; and the plans, if any, he has to rectify this matter. [17202/95]

Limerick East): The Midland Health Board is responsible for the management of services and deployment of staff at St. Vincent's Hospital, Athlone, County Westmeath. Current personnel policy for the health service provides that health agencies which are managing resources within allocation may fill non-consultant replacement posts without recourse to my Department.

At a meeting on 25 October, 1995, between the Irish Nurses Organisation, and representatives of the Midland Health Board, the question of the provision of additional nursing hours at St. Vincent's Hospital. Athlone, was raised. The board maintains that the Irish Nurses Organisation claim does not constitute a serious staffing shortage, nor indeed was the claim represented as such by the Irish Nurses Organisation at that meeting. The board will in the normal course consider the case made, in the light of the overall demands on its resources.

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