ERHA planning to recruit Spanish nurses

The Eastern Regional Health Authority has announced plans to give English language lessons to Spanish nurses - and then hire them to work in Irish hospitals.

The authority said the measure was designed to help alleviate a shortage of nurses, particularly in the main Dublin hospitals.

It said it had also contacted other health boards within Ireland to see if any of their nurses were available to work in Dublin.

Yesterday, the Mater, Beaumont, Tallaght, St James’ and Naas hospitals all reported severe overcrowding in their accident and emergency departments due to bed shortages.