Number of health workers retiring up 53%

THE numbers of Health Service Executive workers who retired in the mid-west last year increased by 53% to 292.

Figures released through the Freedom of Information Act show those retired shared €17.8 million in gratuity payments last year.

This compares to 190 who retired in 2008, and who received €8.1m.

The figures show of the 292 health staff personnel who retired, 153 were nurses at various grades. The loss follows 87 nurses retiring in 2008.

Last year, 58 general nurses, 51 clinical nurse managers and 25 mental health nurses retired. Seven directors of nursing and five assistant directors of nursing were also lost.

The HSE has a moratorium on staff recruitment. Spokeswoman for the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Patsy Doyle, said the HSE must lift the embargo on hiring staff in order to replenish the numbers. “These posts have got to be replaced. The demand on the health service through increased numbers receiving medical cards has never been higher.

“The nurses remaining are being expected to work harder with less staff. That cannot continue. Our biggest concern from the numbers retiring is the loss of skills and unless the moratorium on replacing staff who have retired is lifted, the service will be compromised.”

According to HSE West Forum member, Clare Cllr Brian Meaney: “The numbers retired make it no surprise over the gaps appearing in the service.”

Early retirement increased ahead of last December’s budget, where there was speculation that Finance Minister Brian Lenihan would tax lump sum retirement gratuities.

The HSE also lost eight consultants to retirement during the year.

The HSE was asked to provide the top 25 amounts received in terms of lump sum payments.

However, the HSE states that “this information is not being released as to do so could clearly identify individuals who have retired and the information requested is personal to each individual”.

Cllr Meaney said: “The health service is under tremendous strain and the patient is facing the perfect storm in terms of numbers lost and the current work to rule.

“I don’t think the HSE would be able to absorb retirements on the same scale this year.”