Birr community nursing unit a HSE priority for 'staff recruitment'

Independent TD for Laois-Offaly Carol Nolan has said that the HSE’s Chief Officer for the Midlands Louth Meath Community Health Organisation has confirmed to her that Birr Community Nursing Unit is a prioritised site for a staff nurse recruitment campaign currently underway.

Deputy Nolan was speaking after Chief Officer Des O’Flynn also confirmed to her that planning is underway to recruit for other vacant posts at the unit.

“The current level of staff vacancies is a source of deep concern to many of my constituents who are anxious to ensure that their loved ones are looked after in Birr Community Nursing Unit.

"So, while I am glad to hear that a staff nurse recruitment campaign is currently underway and that Birr is a prioritised site, we need to see progress on this issue as a matter of urgency.

"I am told that significant efforts are being made to expedite the safe opening of beds in the unit and again, that is something I welcome.

"I will certainly be following this up with the HSE on a regular basis to ensure that bed capacity and staffing levels are increased as quickly as possible,” concluded Deputy Nolan.