Vol. 516 No. 1
73 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the average nursing hours provided by overtime in mental health services in the Southern Health Board area is 115 hours per day; his views on whether this figure is excessive; if he will increase the nursing posts in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7072/00]
The Southern Health Board has advised my Department that the main reasons for overtime in the mental health services are specialing, escorts and leave.
The latest survey of nursing vacancies was carried out by the health service employers agency and related to the position at 30 September 1999. This was the most comprehensive report to date and covered all agencies and nursing disciplines. The Southern Health Board reported no vacancies in its area. However, the board has indicated that it can have difficulty in getting temporary staff to replace permanent staff, while in some rural areas the delay in recruiting suitable, permanent staff necessitates overtime.
In relation to the number of overtime hours worked, it should be noted that overtime is calculated at time and a half and double time for additional hours worked . These rates increase the hours for calculation and give rise to an apparent excessive figure.
As the detailed management of the health services is a matter, in this instance, for the Southern Health Board, it is for the board to keep staff levels under review, in line with service requirements.
