Phil Ní Sheaghdha, the general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), said “it is impossible” to provide safe care in hospitals due to a shortage of nurses and increased patient numbers. Understaffing of nursing staff in hospitals is linked to patients coming to harm and dying“We saw a slowdown in recruitment. We have fewer nurses and midwives working with a greater number of patients, which is clearly a recipe for disaster. “I’m anticipating there’ll be staff absences through flu, and I’m anticipating that the flu won’t go to its peak and then fall. The HSE did not buy the enhanced flu vaccine this year, citing the cost.

Source: Irish Independent December 21, 2025 11:32 UTC