Severe staffing shortage at CUH must be addressed as a priority — Ó Laoghaire

Sinn Féin Cork TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the Health Minister must address the drop in staff at CUH.

It comes after a report this week showed it has the second-lowest level of frontline staff of any hospital in the country. Picture: Dan Linehan

Call have been made for Government action to tackle a severe staffing shortage at Cork University Hospital (CUH).

It comes after a report this week showed it has the second-lowest level of frontline staff of any hospital in the country.

Sinn Féin's Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the Health Minister must address the drop in staff at CUH.

"It is obviously causing huge pressure on the A&E because of the lack of clinical staff relative to the amount of beds and the fact that we have lost a significant amount of nurses and midwives," said Mr Ó Laoghaire.

"I think the minister needs to intervene. It is clear now that CUH should be right up at the top of the agenda in terms of the hospitals across the state."

Mr Ó Laoghaire said that the ongoing hiring embargo must be lifted in order to relieve the pressure on CUH.

He said it is clear to see that the embargo is having a devastating impact as it is putting people off working in the Irish health sector and they are then seeking work abroad.

"It is clear that an awful lot of crucial positions, frontline medical positions, and other positions including housekeeping which is essential to keep the hospital going.

"It is clear that they are not being replaced at the level they are needed."