Union slams JobBridge-style nurse proposal

Plans to employ graduate nurses in hospitals under a JobBridge-style scheme to cut costs are being considered by the Government.

Health Minister James Reilly revealed the move at the Dáil Public Accounts Committee, with officials later confirming it could be in place as early as 2014.

The move, which is being discussed by Dr Reilly and Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin, has been suggested to help cut agency costs and increase hospital nurse numbers.