Doubts over ability to recruit 12,500 staff for €600m winter plan

HSE CEO Paul Reid has asked the public to help out to ensure that the health system is not overrun this winter. File image. 

An “ambitious” €600m plan to overcome “unprecedented” challenges across the health service this winter has drawn criticism for its short-termism and critical lack of detail on recruiting 12,500 staff over the next six months.

The plan, designed to bolster health services and keep more people out of hospital this winter as the country continues to grapple with Covid-19, will be contingent on the HSE’s ability to recruit almost 5,000 staff before Christmas and a further 7,500 staff in the new year.