asked the Minister for Health, with reference to the new office of supervisory public health nurse announced by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance on 30th May, at what date he expects to introduce this nursing post; what, in general terms, will be the pay and conditions of these supervisory nurses; what will be their duties; and the number of these posts which he considers to be desirable in the area of each local authority.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supervisory Public Health Nurses.
2.
I hope to be in a position to approach local health authorities later this month with proposals for the creation of a new office as supervisory public health nurse.
The question of remuneration will be a matter for the health authorities in the first instance and I am not in a position to indicate the salary scale attaching to the posts at this stage. However, it is intended that the new office will be a promotion outlet for serving public health nurses.
It is envisaged that the appointees to the new posts will, subject to the direction of the appropriate medical officer, (a) direct, superintend and co-ordinate the work of public health nurses and dispensary midwives; (b) co-ordinate the work of nurses employed by voluntary nursing associations which are subsidised by the health authority in respect of general nursing duties performed on its behalf; and (c) where necessary, advise the health authority on the improvement, organisation and development of its outdoor nursing and domiciliary mid-wifery services.
I propose to recommend to health authorities that one of the new posts should be created in the service of each health authority (excluding Dublin and Cork where supervisory officers are already serving) where ten or more public health or voluntary association nurses are providing district services.