Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2023
244. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will separate out the public health nurse role in order that public health nurses can have a choice between working with children and babies (child welfare clinics) or the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4980/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Registered Public Health Nurse ( PHN) is licensed under regulation to provide care in the community setting, supporting patient groups ranging from new-born to those who require end of life care. The PHN role in Ireland encompasses health promotion, disease prevention, screening and nursing care.
The issue of offering any group of staff a choice as to their preferred area to work in is a Human Resources /staff deployment matter inextricably linked to organising and managing the particular health service in question. Therefore, any such proposal would require careful consideration, including consideration of the potential impacts on both the service being provided currently and overall staffing deployment in the wider context.
As the specific issue raised by the Deputy refers to the operational responsibilities of the HSE, I have referred the matter to the HSE for its attention and direct response to him.
