Episode Details

HSE Mid West has spent over €140 million on agency staff since the beginning of 2024. Figures provided to Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney at the latest HSE Regional Health Forum Midwest meeting have revealed the spend on agency staff came to almost €68 million last year alone. HSE Mid West says agency staff are used "to provide rapid staffing solutions during crises or unexpected surges in demand" as well as "when permanent staff are unavailable due to illness, leave, or vacancies". However, concerns have been raised about the long-term sustainability of such spending, with calls for greater investment in direct recruitment and permanent staffing solutions. Clare FM’s Sean Lyons has been speaking with Cllr Rita McInerney, and to discuss what these figures mean for patients, healthcare services and the future of staffing in the region, Alan Morrissey was joined by John Wall, Chairman of HSE Mid West's Patient and Service User Council. Image (c) Karola G from Pexels via Canva