Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 April 2004
153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the increased use of agency nurses throughout the health services with consequent increased costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11073/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 |
While these figures demonstrate significant fluctuations, a comparison of the averages for 2001, 2002, and 2003 clearly shows a continuous and substantial downward trend. The average number of agency nurses used per day during 2003 was 122 less than the number used during 2001, and 187 less than that used during April 2001, the highest monthly number recorded since the surveys began.
As regards the use of agency nurses, the position is that they have always been a feature of the system. Use of agency nurses has been declining in recent years, but there are sound operational reasons why their use continues. These reasons include making up for unexpected absences and dealing with short-term fluctuations in workflows.
