Over 21,500 more people working in the HSE since December 2014 – Burke

An additional 21,550 staff are now working in the HSE compared to December 2014, according to Colm Burke TD, Fine Gael Spokesperson on Health.

Deputy Burke stated: “There has been a gradual increase in staff numbers across all areas in the HSE with the recruitment of an additional 3,750 new people per annum since 2014.

“The number of people currently working in the HSE is in excess of 135,000, as many are working part time. When this is taken into account, the figure for wholetime equivalents (full-time workers) works out at 124,565 as of the end of September 2020.”

Deputy Burke continued: “I very much welcome the increase which has occurred, however there is one area where very little progress has been made and that is in respect of the recruitment of Public Health Nurses. The number of new Public Health Nurses has only increased by 5.3% while the overall increase across all other areas in the HSE is in the region of 20.9% in total.

“Funding has now been put in place for the recruitment of an additional 16,000 staff over the next 12 to 18 months. This must be carefully managed and particular areas need to be prioritised.

“If we wish to provide more care in the community, it is essential that the necessary staff are employed but also that the appropriate facilities are available in order to provide that care. There is also going to be an increase in demand for home care and it is important that there is connectivity between hospitals and those working at community level. This is a key area which we must continue to develop and improve on if we want adequate care to be provided in a person’s own home when they are discharged from hospital.”

Deputy Burke concluded: “Covid-19 has presented new challenges but has also provided new opportunities and it is important that the time is used to plan, grow and improve the level of healthcare for all citizens of this State.”