SIPTU nursing representatives met with HSE management today (Wednesday, 3rd August) at the Workplace Relations Commission to discuss proposals aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of psychiatric nurses within the mental health services. SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “We believe these discussions will result in our members in the mental health services being recognised for the massive contribution they make. This will be done through a mechanism of appropriate remuneration which is focused on recruiting and retaining nurses in the sector. “The discussions today included the payment recognising the role of mental health nurses working within the community which has been approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.” He added: “Our members are calling on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to continue to take a pragmatic approach to the efforts by all parties at these talks to support not only nurses in the mental health sector but those in the community who rely on quality mental health services.” SIPTU Health Division President and psychiatric nurse, Padráig Peyton, said: “The talks to resolve the crisis concerning the recruitment and retention of mental health nurses are ongoing. However, the expectation is that a document fully outlining the proposals aimed at solving the crisis will be presented by the Workplace Relations Commission to SIPTU by the end of this week.”
SIPTU and HSE discuss proposals to end mental health nurses recruitment crisis
