All health boards' staff will continue to work, says new executive

THE new Health Service Executive (HSE) has scotched reports that staff previously employed by the health boards will be left idle under their new employer.

A statement issued yesterday by Kevin Kelly, interim chief executive of the HSE, said the whole purpose of the reform structure was "to use the skills of staff in the best way possible towards meeting the needs of clients and patients".

"There will be no situation arising where there will be no specific work for staff. Appropriate duties will be assigned to all staff, using their particular skills and expertise," Mr Kelly said.