Severe lack of medical scientists in Irish laboratories

There is a severe shortage of medical scientists in Irish laboratories, which means longer testing turnaround times for patients.The problem has been amplified by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, with hospitals struggling to fill key posts, despite heavy advertising and promotion.

Chief medical scientist in microbiology at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin, Abigail Salmon, said the stark nature of the lack of staff was apparent before the current crisis.