Concern over plan to reduce staff on hygiene duties at Mayo hospital

Concern has been expressed over proposals to reduce the number of people employed on hygiene duties at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar, on the night shift.

The matter has been raised with the HSE West by local councillors Michael Kilcoyne and Blackie Gavin and they sought clarification on the matter.

A statement issued by the HSE outlined: "The cleaning resource is being aligned to where it is required and will be optimally utilised.

"The non-direct care staff requirements for cleaning and catering were determined by an external consultant nominated by SIPTU with the HSE and SIPTU agreeing to be bound by the Review.

"The HSE has implemented the recommendations and approved and recruited the recommended staff.

"The night duty recommendation from the review is outstanding and the HSE has been seeking to implement it for some time with the process currently well advanced through the national Public Services Agreements and statutory Workplace Relations Commission enablers.

"The HSE is seeking to bring the matter to a conclusion."