Axe swinging over nurses" heads

Last updated 30 Apr 2009 10:29 0 Comments

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Last week the Assembly called on the Minister of Health to reject plans to cut 722 nursing posts, given his pledge to the Assembly to make efficiencies rather than cuts, and to re-direct resources towards front-line patient services.

The long debate emphasised how concerned local MLAs are about the effects on front-line services. The worry is that highly-qualified and skilled staff will be lost to the nursing service. Some MLAs encouraged that instead of cutting nursing posts, other sources of 'waste' such as bureaucracy and poor performance should be in the firing line. Nurses are already over stretched and under pressure, they argue. There is also the belief, expressed on this Letters page, that there is a direct link between nursing shortages and infection.

Also on this Letters page are letters thanking nurses working here in Fermanagh for their immense care both in hospital and the community. These type of letters are not uncommon on this letters page, reflecting just how well regarded and highly prized our nurses are.

Our local MLA, Tommy Gallagher entered the debate and expressed his concerns that already young well-qualified nurses have come to his door to say that their contracts have not been renewed.

Mrs. Claire McGill, another MLA for the west spoke about the situation in the Western Health and Social Care Trust. 'My understanding is that 350 nursing posts are under consideration in the Western Trust area. That was mentioned at a meeting of the Health Committee when it was raised with Elaine Way. The issue of reinvestment was raised, which will involve 216 posts in the Western Trust, leaving 134 posts unfilled. I am keen to know where those 134 posts will go. . . Will we notice that gap in the Western Trust?' she asked.

The plans to cut nurses" numbers are at the proposal stage. But, Mr McGimpsey must find these efficiency savings and they have to be made. However, we must not think that we are voiceless and this is a done deal.

Here is what Mr. McGimpsey said in the course of the debate, referring to the incredible lobbying efforts made by groups such as the one working to maintain Drumhaw in Lisnaskea: 'Just look at the responses to the public consultations on the trusts" proposals that generated such widespread political debate, media coverage and campaigns. The huge response to those proposals stands in stark contrast to the eerie silence on proposals from other Departments, and it reflects how valued and essential health and social care services are to the public. I have always said that health and social care services must be more efficient and effective in how we use our limited resources. Today, patients access services of the highest quality more quickly than ever.

'As Minister, I am determined to do the right thing, to reform and to modernise in order to deliver the services that people need. Those are the criteria against which I will consider these proposals. I will also consider the remarks made by Members today'.

It sounds like the Minister is in listening mode. Are you willing to make your voice heard about nurses who serve this community?

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 30 Apr 09

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