THE HSE has been urged to lift a
“threat
? of job losses at Cherry Orchard Hospital in Ballyfermot.
According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), the HSE is planning to redeploy 62 nurses out of Cherry Orchard to another area.
This, the INMO believes, is part of the downgrading of the hospital that could be the first step in its closure.
“I was contacted by the HSE late this afternoon and advised that they are planning to redeploy 62 nurses out of Cherry Orchard to another area,
? a trade union official with the INMO stated last week.
“I have written to them seeking an urgent meeting and details of what they plan.
“I have advised them that the INMO is totally opposed to the downgrading of services to the local community in the Ballyfermot area.
?
The INMO official explained that the current skill mix is 50 per cent nurses and 50 per cent carers at the hospital.
“The HSE wants to reduce the nursing numbers to save money and have in the future 60 per cent carers and 40 per cent nurses but also at reduced levels for both.
“They were unable to tell me where the nurses would be redeployed to,
? the official added.
The HSE has insisted that there is no agreed change to service provision at the Cherry Orchard Hospital Campus.
“The HSE is continually reviewing service provision in order to drive service efficiencies and maximise resource utilisation and allocation,
? the HSE stated.
“All reviews are considered locally and discussed with all stakeholders including staff unions.
“The HSE is committed to providing services at Cherry Orchard Hospital Campus to the highest level of quality and safety.
?
However, Cllr Daithi Doolan (SF) strongly condemned the HSE “for imposing jobs cuts at Cherry Orchard Hospital
?.
“The HSE plans to cut 62 jobs in Cherry Orchard Hospital,
? he stated.
“The HSE want to reduce the nursing numbers to save money and have in the future 60 per cent carers and 40 per cent nurses.
“These cuts are shortsighted and affect those who need the service the most.
?
He added: “This will be a massive blow to the hospital. It will have a terrible effect on services to the public, in particular services for senior citizens.
“I am appealing to the HSE to reverse these cuts. But if they do not listen then it is important that local TDs and councillors work together to keep our local hospital fully staffed and fully functioning.”