CORK – New data has exposed a critical staffing crisis within Cork Community Healthcare, with 235.89 vacancies currently unfilled. Despite some sectors showing a small surplus, the overall deficit is placing immense pressure on frontline services.
The Breakdown of Vacancies
The shortages span across several essential departments:
- Patient & Client Care: 117.87 vacancies (the largest gap).
- Health & Social Care Professionals: 49.67 vacancies.
- Management & Admin: 47.28 vacancies.
- Nursing & Midwifery: 23.99 vacancies.
- General Support: 19.56 vacancies. Interestingly, the medical and dental category reported a surplus of 22.48 staff, though this was not enough to offset the total shortfall.
The “Six-Month” Wait
The HSE has defended its recruitment timelines, stating it takes an average of six months to fill a standard post. This period includes advertising, interviewing, Garda vetting, and medical checks. To speed up the process, the HSE now mandates that external candidates must start within three months of an offer, while internal staff must move within six weeks.
Political Reaction
Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn slammed the figures, stating that these gaps lead to “longer waiting times, overcrowded emergency departments, and staff burnout.” He warned that healthcare workers are being forced into conditions that prevent them from doing their jobs safely.
