HSE chiefs criticised over hospital staffing policies

THE outgoing chair of the HSE South’s regional health forum has lambasted managers for their continued use of expensive agency workers and the controversial recruitment embargo to cut costs.

Speaking at the latest meeting of the political health body, Labour councillor Catherine Clancy said it is vital the policies are changed as they put huge pressure on existing workers and services.

Ms Clancy, who has been replaced as chair by Fine Gael councillor Liam Ahearn, said the way the embargo is currently used is “ill thought-out”.