SIPTU members to protest HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy in Cavan, Sligo and Tuam tomorrow

SIPTU and colleague health unions will continue the campaign of opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy this week.

Following several protests in the last two weeks, SIPTU will hold further lunchtime protests this week. A key issue of concern for SIPTU members is staffing levels, with the HSE’s employment census data demonstrating that many key, front-line roles have not benefitted from record levels of investment in the health service.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said: “Our members are calling on the HSE to withdraw a policy that is blocking the proper staffing of essential services in our health system. This policy is an overreaction to concerns about spending, and it is causing real harm.”

Ginley added: “We want to engage with HSE management about staffing needs when they arise, not face a situation where managers are restricted by a rigid policy, even when there is a clear, demonstrable need for more staff.”

SIPTU escalate campaign in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy

SIPTU will escalate the campaign in opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Number Strategy with further protests this week, highlighting member concerns that the policy will have a detrimental impact on services.

The protests come following demonstrations last week.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Damian Ginley, said; “Our members have real concerns that services are suffering due to a lack of investment in key areas. As a union that represents a multitude of grades within the health service, we are seeing that certain areas are being left behind in terms of adequate staffing.”

“The HSE’s current policy on recruitment does not make sense, he continued. “Health service recruitment should be based on what is right and appropriate to be able to provide a safe service for our communities. That is why we are calling on the HSE to reverse its position with regards to recruitment.”

“We are also seeking a safe staffing framework for all grades and areas of the health service.” Mr Ginley concluded.

SIPTU seeks “urgent” meeting with HSE over recruitment freeze

SIPTU Health Division has called for an urgent meeting with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Department of Health following the decision to implement a recruitment freeze on many grades represented by the union within the health service.

The freeze was revealed in a HSE memo, released today, which confirmed that grades such as Health Care Assistants, Healthcare Support Assistants (or Home Helps), porters, catering assistants, chefs, security personnel and others will all be affected by the decision.

The union said that such a freeze would also affect agency staff, who have traditionally been used to fill vacant posts, maternity leave or long-term sick leave within the healthcare workforce.

Kevin Figgis, SIPTU Divisional Organiser, said: “The decision to implement a recruitment freeze on many of the grades represented by our union has come as a great shock to our members. Many of the grades affected are patient-facing and there will be an inevitable knock-on effect on services.

“What is most alarming about this decision is that we are fast approaching the difficult winter period. Services already struggle to contain the pressures which invariably arise. Our members will now face an impossible situation if a recruitment freeze prohibits the refilling of a vacant patient-facing post within the acute setting or community healthcare.”

Damian Ginley, SIPTU Sector Organiser, said: “Our members provide direct care to patients in hospital or through the community in services such as Healthcare Support Assistants. Their patients and service users are some of the most vulnerable people in society and also some of the most in need of support.

“The HSE has recently stated its wish to extend service provision across the weekend. The decision today will stop any of those plans in their tracks as existing staff are under enough pressure as it is.”