The HSE has recruited almost three times more administrative and managerial staff than front-line nurses in the past three years. In the same period, just 54 extra public health nurses were recruited. In the same period, the number of public health nurses increased from 1,460 to 1,514, a 3.69% increase. Ms Ní Sheaghdha said there are just 120 training places for public health nurses each year, resulting in a “cap” on the number that can be employed. Before the Oireachtas Health Committee last month, HSE CEO Tony O’Brien said many administration staff help nurses and other front-line workers focus on patient care.

Source: Evening echo March 26, 2018 08:03 UTC