90 new nursing posts for Mullingar Hospital long overdue – McFadden

Fine Gael TD for Longford/ Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has said the 90 new nursing staff to be recruited at Mullingar Hospital is a hugely significant development following ongoing concerns about overcrowding and staff shortages at the hospital.

“The need for these nurses, comprising a range of specialities, is long overdue and I want to acknowledge the constructive discussions which have taken place between the HSE and the INMO.

“I have consistently raised the issue of staff shortages with the Minister for Health, the HSE and hospital management along with the need to expedite the recruitment of nurses to help alleviate overcrowding.

“While addressing the issue of overcrowding long-term is a complex one, it is also very clear that the Midlands Regional Hospital is suffering staff shortages in key areas.

“I am pleased that nurses at the coalface were listened to when they said that staff resources must be provided to help alleviate the situation.

“Everybody at the hospital is doing a tremendous job in very difficult circumstances and they must be supported. It is also unacceptable that any person should be forced to lie on a trolley, especially our elderly and most vulnerable.

“I hope strong consideration will be given to the local pool of nursing talent in the Midlands during this extensive recruitment process.”