Election 2024: Galway nurses expect ‘clear answers and plans’ from politicians
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By Isaac O’ Connor
A spokesperson from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has said that nurses and midwives in Galway will “welcome discussion and expect clear answers and plans from those canvassing their vote”.
With the general election rapidly approaching, Galway Pulse spoke with INMO in order to shine a light on the chief concerns of Galway nurses and midwives.
According to INMO, Irish nurses and midwives want to be assured that a sufficient number of nurses and midwives are being trained in Ireland to keep pace with a “growing and ageing population” and that they are incentivised to stay in Ireland following their graduation.
The provision of affordable housing near healthcare setting and creating the “right conditions” in workplaces would greatly help retain young nurses and midwives, INMO said.
“In the almost five years since the last election, there has been over 34,664 patients on trolleys in University Hospital Galway, global pandemic, and crisis after crisis in the HSE,” the spokesperson said.
“These incidents have exposed the frailties in our most important services. Politicians must show they have the answers to widespread workforce shortages and increased strain on our health services.
“It is clear after this election that we need a reset in how we approach the staffing of our public health service. Blunt instruments such as prolonged recruitment embargoes are not the answer to the HSE’s perennial financial woes.”
On Wednesday 13 November INMO members held a protest outside University Hospital Galway to protest the implementation of the HSE’s recent Pay and Numbers strategy.
“Staff in Galway and across the country have been struggling to make up for chronic staffing shortfalls for too long, and this strategy just represents a step backwards,” said INMO Industrial Relations Officer for the Region, Anne Burke.
“There are currently 303 nursing and midwifery vacant posts in University Hospital Galway, and over 2,000 nursing and midwifery posts in Ireland have been effectively abolished due to the HSE’s recruitment restrictions. This cannot be tolerated.
“Our members’ safety at work and their ability to work and provide safe, appropriate and timely care, will not be possible while unsafe staffing prevails.”
On 1 November, INMO produced a list of the top 5 most overcrowded hospitals during the month of October, with University Hospital Galway placing third, behind Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Limerick.
The Irish General Election will take place on Friday 29 November.
