THERE are over 360 staff vacancies at Beaumont
Hospital, according to figures revealed by the Minister for Health James
Reilly.
The hospital is suffering from a shortfall of 181
nursing and health care assistants, 67 support staff, 63 administration staff,
48 clinical staff and two medical professionals, according to the figures as
recorded on January 13.
Minister Reilly said the hospital continues to use
bank and agency staff to cover nursing and medical vacancies.
“Beaumont Hospital has a process in place for
approving the filling of posts in the context of the moratorium on
recruitment,
? he explained.
“This process prioritises posts for filling based on
risk assessment and maintaining front line services to patients.
“In this context, some of the posts will be filled in
the normal course of events and others will never be filled.
?
Deputy Tommy Broughan (Lab) raised the matter with the
Minister following concerns expressed by members of the public.
“A number of constituents had been in touch in
relation to certain ongoing vacancies at Beaumont,
? said Deputy Broughan.
“These constituents have expressed their concerns to
me about the impact of the public sector moratorium on recruitment on the
running of the hospital and the services it can provide if it is understaffed.
“Staff and patients in Beaumont are under enough
pressure without the added difficulty of being understaffed.
“It is disappointing that the Minister has stated that
some of the vacant Beaumont posts won’t be filled.
?
Deputy Broughan last week visited Beaumont Hospital
when a close friend fell ill and passed away suddenly.
“I was very impressed with the devotion and care of
staff who are obviously very stretched,
? he told Northside People.
“Everyone from the clinical staff to the ambulance
drivers showed tremendous care and sympathy to the family of my friend and I
know it was very much appreciated.
?
Meanwhile, despite the recruitment embargo Beaumont
Hospital is currently trying to fill the vacancy of Senior House Officer (SHO)
for plastic surgery.
According to a spokesperson for the hospital, a recent
attempt to fill the position proved unsuccessful, as none of the candidates
that applied for the role was deemed suitable. However, the post has been
advertised again and a number of candidates will be interviewed for the senior
position this week. It’s hoped that the suitable candidate will be able to take
up duty immediately.