INMO calls for fast-track in nursing recruitment as TUS graduate contracts delayed

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has called on the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health to fast-track recruitment of public health nurses.

This follows a report by the Ombudsman for Children on the impact of missed developmental checks.

The statement from the nurses' representative body comes after up to 35 TUS Athlone nursing graduates recently saw their expected contracts with the HSE fail to materialise.

The graduates, who had been offered and accepted job offers, received notification through recruitment software Rezoomo advising them not to leave their existing employment, as appointments remained subject to approval processes and budgetary considerations.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said the report by the Ombudsman for Children highlights the "very real consequences" of the HSE and Department of Health suppressing public health and community general nursing posts.

“The report by the Ombudsman for Children compounds the INMO’s long held view that public health needs of the population are not being met. Words from the HSE acknowledging the contents of Mr.Muldoon’s report are not enough, they must back up their regret over missed care with the recruitment and further training of public health nurses.

“Shortfalls in this sector cannot be overlooked. Resources in the community are key to preventing the development of acute illness, and maintaining a high level of public health and quality of life in our society. This care is also central pillar of keeping people out of hospitals and ensuring they can be discharged safely, so it is key to ensuring capacity across the entire health service.

“PHNs are the only healthcare professional that are in every home in the country from the beginning of life to the end. Early intervention child development is essential for long-term health outcomes all throughout life.

“Recruitment must become a top priority in this sector of nursing, with increased training places, increased supports for students in the sector, and focus on funded capacity. We need to see an increase in the number of PHN training places, as well as a significant increase in the supports for students training in the community.

“The current level of pressure on our members is unsustainable and will have knock-on effects throughout all facilities and all care sectors. Our members are doing everything in their power to ensure vital care and health checks in the community are not missed, and that the HSE’s prioritisation policies are adhered to. But the strain of keeping this all going is unsustainable, and the effects are being seen.”

The issue surrounding recruitment arises in the context of tighter financial controls imposed on four of the six Health Service Executive (HSE) regions after they exceeded agreed spending limits by more than 2%, driven largely by overspending on staff pay, recruitment and agency costs.

The affected regions are Dublin and Midlands, HSE South West, West and North West, and Dublin and South East.

The regions have lost day-to-day autonomy over spending and recruitment, with greater oversight returning to central HSE management and the Department of Health. Their financial autonomy will not be restored until sustained improvements in financial controls and performance are demonstrated.