Urgent need to address Tipp hospital's staffing levels

Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary, Jackie Cahill, has sought a recruitment derogation from the HSE recruitment embargo for the Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles.

Deputy Cahill said: “I have been contacted by a number of concerned nurses and constituents about the serious impact the HSE recruitment embargo is having on the Hospital of the Assumption and the threat it poses to services. I have contacted the HSE today and sought a recruitment derogation for the Assumption, which would allow the hospital administrator to recruit staff immediately. I have also raised the matter of the day hospital service that was offered in the Hospital of the Assumption pre-Covid but has yet to resume.

“It is essential that the Hospital of the Assumption is kept at optimum capacity for Thurles and the surrounding areas. There are already significant waiting lists to gain entry for step-down respite and long-term care facilities and we cannot allow a reduction in services.

“I have raised these serious concerns with Minister for Health and party colleague, Stephen Donnelly, and the HSE, and I will remain in constant contact with them to ensure this is addressed urgently."