SIPTU supports WRC proposals to end mental health nurses’ recruitment and retention crisis

SIPTU nursing representatives have expressed their support for Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) proposals, released today (Friday, 5th August), which are aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of psychiatric nurses within the mental health services.

SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “We welcome this development. SIPTU representatives have worked hard to ensure our members in the mental health services are recognised for the massive contribution they make. These proposals go some way to giving this recognition to our members and ensuring those they care for have the level of service they need.”

He added: “Our members now expect the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to accept these proposals and get on with the job of implementing them.”

SIPTU Health Division President and psychiatric nurse, Padráig Peyton, said: “The talks process which has resulted in these proposals was long and arduous. The proposal to introduce a payment recognising the crucial role of mental health nurses within the community is welcomed. Such a payment is badly needed and the failure to provide one has, without doubt, negatively impacted on the recruitment and retention of nurses working in mental health services. 

“There are currently in excess of 600 vacancies within mental health nursing services and this is set to increase by another 400 due to pending retirements. The implementation of these WRC proposals will assist in relieving the growing crisis in our mental health services.”

SIPTU and HSE discuss proposals to end mental health nurses recruitment crisis

SIPTU nursing representatives met with HSE management today (Wednesday, 3rd August) at the Workplace Relations Commission to discuss proposals aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of psychiatric nurses within the mental health services.

SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: “We believe these discussions will result in our members in the mental health services being recognised for the massive contribution they make. This will be done through a mechanism of appropriate remuneration which is focused on recruiting and retaining nurses in the sector. 

“The discussions today included the payment recognising the role of mental health nurses working within the community which has been approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.”

He added: “Our members are calling on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to continue to take a pragmatic approach to the efforts by all parties at these talks to support not only nurses in the mental health sector but those in the community who rely on quality mental health services.” 

SIPTU Health Division President and psychiatric nurse, Padráig Peyton, said: “The talks to resolve the crisis concerning the recruitment and retention of mental health nurses are ongoing. However, the expectation is that a document fully outlining the proposals aimed at solving the crisis will be presented by the Workplace Relations Commission to SIPTU by the end of this week.”