HEALTH SERVICE management in the west is seeking to cut temporary staffing levels by 7,000 hours per week, or the equivalent of 200 full-time jobs, as part of moves to tackle its financial difficulties.
This figure represents a reduction on the level of staff cuts ranging from 320-1,000 whole–time equivalents previously sought by the HSE in the west.
There are currently around 27,000 staff working in the HSE in the west. In a statement issued last night, the HSE said where there was no engagement locally on agreed cost-saving measures, management would have to proceed with its own plans.
The HSE warned that temporary staff may have to be put on protective notice if there was no meaningful engagement by trade unions in drawing up break-even plans.
The details of the new levels of cuts emerged following talks yesterday between management and unions which were held at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) in Dublin.
Over the last fortnight talks have been held at local level between management and unions in various hospitals and community care areas in the HSE western region – which runs from Limerick to Donegal – to produce cost-saving measures which would have the least impact on employment levels and on patient services.
At the LRC hearing yesterday it was agreed that these discussions would continue over the coming week. However, much of the talks yesterday was dominated by a row over a decision by HSE management not to replace student nurses in hospitals in the west at the completion of a 36-week placement.
This issue has been referred to the Labour Court for a hearing next week. However, it is understood the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) will not take part in further local talks until the Labour Court process on the nurse placement issue is completed.
The Irish Times reported yesterday that the nurses' union had said if the student nurses were not replaced management would have to close beds and wards in hospitals to allow for the provision of safe levels of care.
The HSE said last night “whatever resolution comes from the Labour Court will be implemented by the HSE in line with agreed industrial relations processes”.
In its statement last night the HSE also said most of the local talks held over the past fortnight aimed at producing cost-saving measures had been very productive. It said innovative ideas such as reduced hours, career breaks and revised rosters had been put forward to protect frontline services for patients and minimise the number of temporary staff reductions whilst keeping the budget expenditure on target.
“All staff representatives with the exception of the INMO are willing to continue engagement and implementation of locally-agreed initiatives. Talks will continue at a local level over the coming seven days to implement the initiatives agreed in recent weeks and to reduce the temporary staffing levels initially by 7,000 hours per week or a total of 200 whole time equivalents.”