Concerns as Mayo hospital is 'operating without 5% of its required staff'

Fresh concerns have been raised over staff vacancy rates at Mayo University Hospital.

According to a report issued by the HSE to Mayo Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, there are currently 85 vacant posts at the facility of which 45 are permanent roles.

Close to 50 of those vacancies relate to nursing and midwifery roles.

The HSE confirmed a large portion of these positions became vacant since July and August last.

Councillor Kilcoyne made the point that the facility is operating without five per cent of its required staff.

HSE official Ann Cosgrove defended the vacancy figures, stating there is always a level of turnover of staff within the health system which is around the five percent mark.

“It’s just the nature of the people moving on, getting promoted and posts becoming vacant,” she added.