Vol. 566 No. 2
174 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the NWHB roster registered psychiatric nurses in the Sligo mental health services in a manner which causes then to have to work 13 ten hour shifts in a 15 day period, with the possibility of working a further seven 12 hour shifts on a night duty, with the result that a nurse may be required to work twenty shifts in a 23 day period. [12583/03]
175 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Health and Children if mothers working as registered psychiatric nurses with the Sligo mental health service are unable to work the current roster and are forced to cut their hours by working flexi-time or on a job sharing basis in order to spend time with their children and families; and if the roster referred to is inconsistent with the needs of a modern health service and is anti-women, anti-family and has the potential to compromise patient care. [12584/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
I have made enquiries with the North Western Health Board and have been informed that the present roster system for psychiatric nurses with Sligo-Leitrim, west Cavan mental health services is no longer capable of meeting the needs of a modern mental health service.
The North Western Health Board is addressing the issue and has proposed a revised roster to both trade unions, PNA/SIPTU, who represent psychiatric nurses in the region. To date, one union has rejected the proposals and the issue is being addressed through the normal industrial relations mechanisms. It is the intention of the board to introduce revised rostering arrangements at an early date. The scenario as described can arise within the present rostering arrangements, however local nurse management facilitate staff with the opportunity to take days off or annual leave prior to commencing night duty.
In relation to the provision of job sharing and flexible working arrangements within the mental health services, the North Western Health Board provides the same opportunities to psychiatric nurses as other employees. By its very nature psychiatric nursing must be provided on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis. It is the policy of the board to facilitate staff where possible. The revised roster proposed by the board addresses inadequacies identified in the present system and will make a positive contribution to family friendly working arrangements. The new roster provides for psychiatric nurses to work no more than four consecutive days.
