The lack of a clear and concrete workforce plan for the National Children’s Hospital is creating unnecessary confusion around the staffing of the facility which is now scheduled to open in February 2025.
On 15th May a delegation of SIPTU Health representatives visited the site of the new hospital and met with representatives of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) to discuss its progression. SIPTU representatives used the opportunity to discuss with CHI the proposed staffing levels of the new hospital and facilities for staff who will be working there.
Following the meeting, SIPTU Sector Organiser, John McCamley, said: “The lack of a workforce plan for the facility has been a big issue for members of SIPTU. The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board has advised the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee that the substantial completion date for the facility will be February 2025.
“A concrete workforce plan will be needed to ensure a smooth transition to the new facility. The current recruitment pause in the public health service is also creating further confusion as to how the facility will be staffed.”
Picture: SIPTU Sector Organiser John McCamley; and Organiser Brian Condra and Luke McDermott on a visit to the site of the new National Children’s Hospital on May 15th.
Click here to listen back to John McCamley on Newstalk radio.