No staff to reopen MacBride day services
RESTRICTIONS on recruitment within the HSE are being blamed for having an adverse effect on the provision of day services in the MacBride Community Nursing Unit in Westport, which remain closed.
Fianna Fáil TD Lisa Chambers has called on the Minister for Health to intervene in the staff shortage in the centre.
Deputy Chambers commented: “Following the submission of parliamentary questions to the Minister for Health and the HSE regarding the continued closure of day services at the MacBride nursing home, I was told 'the day service in the MacBride Community Nursing Home in Westport has not reopened due to the inability to secure nursing staff'.
“It is shocking that no candidate has accepted any offers in the Westport area for the positions in the MacBride Community Nursing Unit. I understand unsuccessful attempts have been made to obtain agency staff as well.”
She continued: “We cannot take a defeatist attitude and just resign ourselves to a position that staff cannot be recruited.
“It is imperative action is taken by the HSE, and the Minister for Health if necessary, to ensure we see the return of day services at MacBride Community Nursing Unit.
“I have been working closely with local Councillor Brendan Mulroy on this issue and he is liaising directly with families affected. There is a vacuum in services in our area due to the closure and families and services users are suffering.
“The day service is a lifeline for many families who need a break and for service users who need the service.”
It is widespread knowledge that the HSE have a recruitment freeze and are not hiring, added Deputy Chambers. This is due to massive overruns in the health budget and no money being available for the rest of the year.
“I sincerely hope that genuine efforts are being made to recruit staff and its not a case of holding off until the new year when we have a new budget. I find it difficult to understand how recruitment restrictions could remain in place when our hospitals and associated services are under so much pressure – particularly heading into the winter period.
“The Minister for Health, his department, and the HSE should now detail exactly how they intend to recruit replacement staff for services in Westport and confirm there is the necessary budget in place. They cannot allow a situation which sees no day services to fester any longer.”