Due to difficulties in the recruitment of key ward staff as a result of the Employment Control Framework, commonly known as the staff embargo, management at UHG have been required to temporarily close some beds.

However, the spokesperson also said the figures quoted by SIPTU are incorrect as staff have recently been recruited, or the recruitment process is in train.

A SIPTU spokesperson said staff shortages were widespread across the hospital where service delivery had become dependant on staff working overtime, the postponement of holidays and where depleted staffing resources were trying to maintain services.

“There are currently 60 nursing staff and 30 care assistant vacancies remaining unfilled. The portering service is short staffed and a level of frustration among staff is at crisis point. Staff are now facing the reality that the current working arrangements are physically unsustainable and the current level of overtime will have to be curtailed. 

This will further impact on service delivery with the imminent closure of more beds.

“The current situation is intolerable for front line staff and a further indictment of government’s policy in dismantling our public health system,” according to SIPTU.

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