Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1383. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which it is expected to ensure the retention of nursing, medical and consultant staff sufficient to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28196/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure the retention of adequate health personnel at all levels to meet all eventualities and eliminate overcrowding at acute hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28200/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1383 and 1387 together.
There has been a significant improvement in the staffing of the public health services in the past three years as the economic position has improved and additional funding has been made available to support service delivery. Total numbers employed have increased by from end April 2014 to end April 2017 by over 10,000 whole time equivalents (WTE's) to 111,979.
The number of consultants has increased significantly. At the end of April 2017 there were 2,884 whole time equivalents. This constitutes an increase of 298 (WTE's) since April 2014. The number of NCHDs has increased very significantly, from 4,982 at the end of April 2014 to 6,092 at the end of April 2017 (+1,109) in order to support service delivery and progression of EWTD compliance.
Nursing and midwifery numbers at the end of April 2017 stood at 36,549 whole time equivalents, having increased by 625 whole time equivalents in the 12 months from end April 2016 and by 1,870 in the three years from end April 2014 to end April 2017. Overall nursing numbers (WTEs) are at the highest level since 2011 with numbers increasing consistently since early in 2014. However the pace of increase is modest compared with the numbers graduating each year, the level of vacancies in the system and the fall in numbers between 2007 and 2014 due to the economic downturn.
Under proposals formulated at the WRC between this Department, DPER, the HSE, the INMO and SIPTU in February and March this year it was agreed that management would increase the nursing and midwifery workforce in 2017, through a broad range of initiatives that provide for 1,208 additional permanent posts. Delivery of these posts is possible through a combination of new development posts, for which additional funding is being provided in the current year, and the local conversion of agency employed staff into direct employees. Key measures include the conversion of agency employed staff into HSE direct employees and offering all graduating nurses and midwives full time contracts. Other important elements include enhanced maternity leave cover; a career break scheme; 130 additional undergraduate places in 2017; and offering nurses and midwives improved educational opportunities and career pathways. Recruitment measures include careers days, HSE attendance at national and international recruitment fairs, and a communication from the National Director for HR to all Nursing and Midwifery Graduates. A High Level Group with an independent chair has been established for the oversight of the implementation of this agreement, the first meeting of the Group was held on the 24th May 2017.
The recently concluded Public Service Stability Agreement provides for the Public Service Pay Commission carrying out a more comprehensive examination of underlying difficulties in recruitment and retention in those sectors and employment streams where difficulties are clearly evident. Parties to the Agreement will be able to make submissions to the Commission and the outcome of its assessment will be subject to discussions between the relevant parties.
