INMO "Not Surprised" By Findings Of Low Staffing & Lack Of Dignity In Hospitals

Thursday, 23 February 2023 13:27

By Caoimhe Harney

The INMO said not one hospital has been found in full compliance with staffing requirements in almost a year

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has said the findings of the latest Hiqa report comes as no surprise.

On Wednesday, the report published by Hiqa found that Tallaght University Hospital operates with unsafe nursing staff levels.

The report also noted concern that the environment didn't give patients the dignity or privacy they deserve.

The INMO said not one hospital has been found in full compliance with staffing requirements in almost a year.

Ten reports have been produced since last March.

Three, published on Wednesday, come from Hiqa after unannounced visits to Kerry and Tallaght university hospitals and a planned trip to Cork's maternity unit.

Inspectors found 'gross overcrowding' in Kerry, an environment that didn't offer patients their dignity at Tallaght and staff shortages in Cork.

It comes as 19 patients are on trolleys in Naas General Hospital today.

55 patients are on trolleys in St.Jame's Hospital in Dublin, while 33 patients are on trolleys at Tallaght University Hospital.

The worst affected facility is University Hospital Limerick with 77 patients on trolleys there.

Speaking on Kildare Today on Thursday,the INMO Industrial Relations Officer said the lack of staff and the findings of the recent Hiqa report come as no surprise.

Grainne Walsh spoke with Eoin Beatty, listen back to the full interview: