Jack Wall
Question:307 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of vacancies for nursing staff in each of the health board areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23069/01]
Written Answers. - Nursing Staff.
The Health Service Employers Agency undertook a survey of nursing vacancies at 30 April 2001. The total number of nursing vacancies reported was 1,316. When account is taken of the service of agency nurses – 499 per day – and overtime working – equivalent to employment of 798 nurses per day – the net vacancy situation at 30 April 2001 stood at 19 nationally.
The Health Service Employers Agency is currently finalising a national survey of nursing vacancies at 31 July 2001. A copy of this survey will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.