Government will need to recruit 12,500 staff to implement winter plan

HSE CEO Paul Reid has appealed for the public to protect themselves so that they can protect the health service this winter. Picture: Leon Farrell

The Government hopes an injection of €600m in funding for health services will ease pressure on Covid and non-Covid care this winter. However, the success of the HSE’s winter plan will be contingent on recruiting 12,500 additional staff and ensuring Covid-19 does not overwhelm our hospitals.

The stark lack of detail on where new hospital and community beds will be opened this winter and on staffing requirements for new beds and services, however, did little to inspire confidence that the health service is ready and primed to stave off the many challenges that lie ahead.