Dáil told of 'unacceptable' problems at Mayo maternity unit
THE ongoing problems at the maternity unit of Mayo University Hospital have been described as 'unacceptable'.
Deputy Lisa Chambers told Dáil Eireann that continued underfunding and understaffing at the hospital have created considerable risks for patients and their babies.
She stated: “This came to a head last November when midwives at the maternity unit took part in a lunchtime protest outside the hospital. Some of those who protested are long-serving midwives with extensive experience in their field.
“It was not an easy decision for them to take but they felt so strongly about the situation and the risks being posed to mothers and babies in their care that they felt they had no choice but to take strike action.
“One can only imagine how difficult things must be in the maternity unit to prompt such action by experienced midwives and nurses. They had exhausted all avenues open to them to have their concerns heard by hospital management and the HSE.
“Their voices fell on deaf ears and it was not until they publicly took to the streets that hospital management and the HSE sat up and took notice, as did the wider public who are now very much aware of the issues at their maternity unit.
“At the time of the protest, I raised this issue with the government but to date, the Minister for Health has done absolutely nothing to address it. Has the minister even met hospital management at Mayo University Hospital to discuss the staffing crisis at the maternity unit? If not, why not?
“Following on from the strike, unions and hospital management engaged with the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, in an effort to resolve matters.
“They met in February this year and again approximately one month ago. It is my understanding, having spoken to staff, that at the last meeting both unions and hospital management agreed there was an issue with staffing in the maternity unit.
“Due to nurse shortages in theatre at the hospital, midwives are regularly being called away from the maternity unit, where they are needed, to do jobs in theatre. This is coupled with the fact that there is not enough staff in the maternity unit in any event to cover maternity leave and sick leave.
“Moreover, the hospital's inability to attract nursing staff to take up posts has meant that the maternity unit is operating below safe staffing levels. I am relying on the expertise of staff members, who are adamant that they need more midwives and nurses at the maternity unit.
“Unions and hospital management are due to meet again at the WRC on June 8 in the hope of finding a solution. I am told that hospital management would hire temporary staff but it cannot get anyone to take up those posts.
“Mayo University Hospital is competing with other hospitals for staff and it appears that the types of contract being offered are not enough to entice staff to take up positions at the hospital. It is clear that the HSE needs to offer better contracts to midwives and nurses and to improve working conditions,
“The fact the minister has done nothing to address the staffing shortages is totally unacceptable.”
In response to her, Minister of State said that the staff allocation levels at Mayo University Hospital have not been reduced.
“However, a number of posts are vacant through unexpected sick leave, maternity leave and retirements. As I understand it, some of these vacancies have already been filled and work to fill the remaining vacancies, both on a permanent and temporary basis, continues. I have been assured that all shifts are reviewed on a daily and weekly basis and set staffing levels are in place to ensure safety.
“Deputy Chambers can be assured that this government is fully committed to the progressive development of our maternity services.”