Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:237 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the ever increasing influence of agency nursing staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7263/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 3 March 2004
Ceisteanna (163)
Freagraí scríofa
The Health Services Employers Agency carries out quarterly national surveys of the nursing resource, including use of agency nurses. The numbers of agency nurses used in the public health service for the months mentioned are as follows:
|
Month |
Average Number of Agency Nurses used per Day |
|
September 2000 |
414 |
|
January 2001 |
423 |
|
April 2001 |
499 |
|
July 2001 |
417 |
|
October 2001 |
397 |
|
January 2002 |
459 |
|
April 2002 |
384 |
|
September 2002 |
416 |
|
December 2002 |
346 |
|
March 2003 |
307 |
|
June 2003 |
294 |
|
September 2003 |
317 |
|
December 2003 |
329 |
|
Average 2001 |
434 |
|
Average 2002 |
401 |
|
Average 2003 |
312 |
The above figures demonstrate significant fluctuations. However, a comparison of the averages for 2001 to 2003, inclusive, clearly shows a continuous and substantial downward trend. The average number of agency nurses used per day during 2003 was 122 fewer than in 2001. It was also 187 fewer than the number used during April 2001, the highest monthly number recorded since the surveys began.
Agency nurses are used for operational reasons. For example, to cover unexpected absences or to deal with temporary fluctuations in workflows.
Question No. 238 answered with QuestionNo. 128.