Recruitment embargo ‘risks safe hospital care’

The HSE’s recruitment suspension at a time when hospitals are already suffering a manpower crisis will make it impossible to deliver safe care, unions have warned.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) said the move was a “hammer blow” to efforts to tackle serious staffing shortages in hospitals.

IMO president John Duddy said there were 300 vacant consultant posts and newly qualified doctors were emigrating rather than opting to work in the Irish health service.