Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
604. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the ongoing shortage of public health nurses in Dublin mid-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20702/24]
View answerI am aware that the PHN Service Dublin Mid-West is experiencing significant shortages and the HSE has advised that recruitment of PHNs in Dublin Mid-West has been especially challenging. The HSE has advised that the local service is working to ensure that those with the greatest need in the community are prioritised and that site-specific contingency plans continue to be refined monthly.
I fully recognise the frustration and, indeed, worry of parents who cannot access these routine checks and I want to emphasise that if parents have a specific concern or a query regarding their child, they should contact their GP, or local health office directly.
I also want to emphasise that ensuring the delivery of the full range of services provided by PHNs, is a priority for me. We are progressing several initiatives at a national level both within my Department and in the HSE to address challenges to the recruitment of healthcare professionals in general, and nurses, specifically.
As recently as last week in the Dáil, I committed to raising this issue with the HSE with a view to a rapid temporary solution being put in place and I have asked my officials to work with the HSE to see what measures can be put in place in the short term.
