Mayo TD raises urgent concerns over maternity unit staff levels

MAYO Fianna Fáil Deputy Lisa Chambers has said that there are reports emanating from Mayo University Hospital that suggest staffing levels in the maternity unit are below safe levels.

The Castlebar TD stated: 'It is extremely worrying to hear such reports coming from Mayo University Hospital that staffing levels in the maternity unit are below safe levels.

'If these reports are true then this is completely unacceptable and something needs to be done immediately to address this issue as it is impacting on patients care and safety for mothers and babies'

'Staff are extremely worried and they have made their concerns known to hospital management but there has been no action by the HSE to address this serious matter.

'It is widely suspected that part time temp. contacts are being offered in place on full time contacts which are necessary to run the unit and this is leading to a loss of staff and a difficulty to recruit staff

'This matter must be addressed  without delay and I am calling on hospital management, the HSE and the Minister for Health to work together with staff to find a solution immediately,' she added