CONCERN OVER HOSPITAL’ S HEAVY WORKLOAD

MARTIN FERRIS TELLS DÁIL MORALE AT HOSPITAL IS AT AN ALL TIME LOW

IN the wake of a review of over 46,000 scans at University Hospital Kerry and the news that a consultant cardiologists is to leave the hospital, Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has called on the HSE to investigate work practices and the workload of staff at the facility.

Speaking in the Dáil last week Deputy Ferris said he had recently met with management at the hospital to discuss his concerns.

“On January 29 I met with management at University Hospital Kerry to voice my concern surrounding workplace practices and low morale amongst staff there. I requested this meeting on the back of numerous complaints made to me by staff across all departments,” he said.

“These staff are dedicated professionals who want to give the best service they can possibly give, but are unable to due to chronic understaffing and lack of resources; they are finding their work environment extremely stressful, so much so that some agency staff are refusing shifts at A&E due to the severe and over-burdening workload there. I am also told that several nurses are out of work due to stress-related illnesses with more likely to follow,” Deputy Ferris told the Dáil.

“At the meeting I was given assurances that work place conditions were being addressed,” he said.

“In the meantime Dr Louis Keary, who is a renowned cardiologist, has signalled his intention to resign his position at University Hospital Kerry. I believe this is due to a lack of support. This means the hospital will be operating with just one part time cardiologist tending to hundreds of heart patients. This is totally unacceptable to my constituents and would not, nor should not, be tolerated anywhere else,” Deputy Ferris said.

“We have just had a review of 46,235 scans carried out by a consultant radiologist who no longer works at the hospital. We now need, more than ever, an investigation into workplace practices and an examination of the workload of consultants and staff at the hospital. Morale of staff is in my opinion at an all-time low and the problems cannot be left fester any longer,” he added.