Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 May 2012
214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if in the aftermath of reductions in staffing levels arising from early or natural retirement and or voluntary redundancy, he is satisfied that current or expected staffing levels can be supplemented through redeployment to ensure the highest quality and standards of patient care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24596/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cumulative impact of staff reductions from this year and previous years presents a significant challenge for the health system in delivering services. The priority is to reform how health services are delivered in order to ensure a more productive and cost effective health system. Health service employment numbers must be reduced to approximately 102,000 by the end of this year, in line with the Government's commitment to reduce public expenditure. Therefore, replacement will only occur in critical areas.
The HSE is seeking to mitigate the impact of the retirements on frontline services by—
using the provisions of the Public Service Agreement to bring about greater flexibilities in work practices and rosters, redeployment and other changes to achieve more efficient delivery of services;
delivering greater productivity through the National Clinical Programmes to reduce the average length of stay, improve day of admission surgery rates, increase the number of patients treated as day cases, etc.; and
some limited and targeted recruitment in priority areas to help limit the impact of retirements on frontline services.
There has already been considerable redeployment in the health sector under the Public Service Agreement. This includes the flexibility of staff in continuing to deliver services during and after ‘grace-period' retirements. The Health Sector Action Plan for 2012 under the Public Service Agreement includes provision for further use of redeployment in the health sector.
