CUH staff deserve the backing of Government – Kenny
CUH staff deserve the backing of Government - Kenny - The Labour Party
Questioning Minister Burke in the Dail today, Labour TD for Cork North Central Eoghan Kenny called on Government to back the staff at CUH following the ongoing failure of Government to provide sufficient staffing for safe patient care.
Deputy Kenny said:
“It was unbelievable to hear Minister Burke describe resources as being at an all-time high on the floor of the Dail today when the reality on the ground in CUH is at total odds with that.
“Earlier this week it was reported that CUH sees the highest number of cancellations of any hospital, all the while Government and the HSE continue its war of words with the CEO of CUH who has blown the whistle on staffing shortages.
“Senior management and clinicians at CUH have repeatedly called on Government for more support, yet none has been forthcoming.
“Hospital leaders and healthcare professionals must be able to speak openly about patient safety concerns without fear of intimidation or professional repercussions. Unfortunately in the case of CUH, its CEO was not supported in doing so.
“There are serious staffing concerns at CUH and it is incumbent on this Government to ensure that patients and healthcare workers have the resources they need. The staffing concerns have still not been addressed by this Government and it is putting patients and staff at risk.
“I would once again invite the Taoiseach to correct the Dail record following his provision of misinformation on this matter when raised with him last week. By misleading the Dail, he has effectively scapegoated hospital management and HSE staff. He needs to clarify these issues and correct the record.”