Cork has shortfall of 235 healthcare staff

There are more than 235 vacancies across Cork Community Healthcare, figures have revealed, as the HSE says it takes on average six months to fill a post from the time it was advertised.

The vacancies includes 117.87 whole time equivalent (WTE) patient and client care staff, 49.67 health and social care professionals, 47.28 management and administrative staff, 23.99 nursing and midwifery staff, and 19.56 general support staff.

In the medical and dental category, there are 22.48 surplus staff. But the sector as a whole is still left at a 235.89 deficit.

A HSE spokesperson explained: “HSE National Recruitment timelines vary but expect a minimum of six months from advertising to start for standard roles. The process involves advertising, shortlisting, interviews, panel placement, and then a ‘recommendation to proceed’ requiring final checks, approval, references, medical, police clearance/garda vetting registration etc, before a contract is issued, with timelines depending on receipt of all relevant clearances.”

“Due to the nature of the service provided there is an onus on the HSE to ensure that successful candidates take up duty without undue delay. Consequently, the following timescales have been set so as to minimise potential disruption of service to clients and service users.

“In the case of external recruitment, candidates will be required to take up duty within three months of receipt of the formal offer of employment. In the case of internal HSE recruitment the appointee must start in the new role within six weeks from the date of notification.

“The HSE reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment should appointees fail to meet these time frames.”

The information was provided to Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn, who told The Echo staffing gaps mean “longer waiting times, delayed discharges, overcrowded emergency departments, and reduced access to community care”.

“Staff morale suffers, burnout increases, and patients pay the price,” Mr O’Flynn said “Patients deserve services that are safely staffed. Healthcare workers deserve conditions that allow them to do their jobs without constant crisis management.”