Revamped ward shut over staff shortage

THE Health Service Executive has confirmed it spent €629,000 refurbishing a hospital ward which has closed temporarily due to staffing shortages.

The 24-bed Clonfert Ward at Kerry General Hospital closed last Monday and will remain closed until March when 20 nurses recruited overseas should be ready to staff it.

Yesterday, Sinn Féin TD for North Kerry Martin Ferris said the reasons for its closure did not add up: staffing shortages caused by retirements, resignations, sick leave and maternity leave. He said the HSE should have contingency plans to cover such situations.