Urgent need to recruit additional public health nurses – Ó Muirí

The Government’s commitment to attract more nurses to specialise as public health nurses is good news for parents and families, but swift action is needed to increase recruitment, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí, raised this important matter in the Dáil this week and was assured that the Health Service Executive (HSE) is aware of the pressures that were arising in his constituency in Dublin Bay North and intends to provide continued investment to ensure this service is available for those who need it.

Deputy Ó Muirí said: “It is reassuring to hear there is currently no impediment to the normal recruitment of staff in north Dublin, and that a National Oversight Group has been established to address staffing shortfalls in the region, but we do need to see fast action on the recruitment issue.

“I’ve heard from families all over the constituency about their concerns that development checks for their children may not be carried out due to staff shortages. Plans for increased recruitment will come as a welcome relief for so many parents but they need to see action.

“The importance of public health nurses cannot easily be overstated. These dedicated healthcare professionals are vital in ensuring good early childhood development and allay the concerns of anxious families.

“Measures encouraging more people to consider a career as a public health nurse, such as the Public Health Nurse Sponsorship Programme are essential, and need to be a top priority for this Government.

“I will continue to work closely with my colleague, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to ensure we see this additional recruitment of public health nurses.

“It is vital that we build on the success on schemes such as these and provide the level of staffing necessary to meet the demand for these critical services in communities across Ireland”, concluded Deputy Ó Muirí