Meaningful action needed to protect nurses and midwives

The HSE has been urged to take extra measures to protect the nursing and midwifery workforce, in light of the recent escalation in Omicron positive cases.

Approximately 23,800 positive cases were reported to the health authorities yesterday, with 941 COVID-19 patients hospitalised, of which 90 are in ICU. The INMO estimate that over seven per cent of their union members are off work due to Covid-19.

INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha said hospitals are seeing huge increases in the number of patients on trolleys and a high number of nurses and midwives on COVID-related leave.

“Today 353 patients are on trolleys, a 100% increase on the number of patients on trolleys compared to this day last year (attached). Our nursing and midwifery rosters are depleted. It is becoming increasingly difficult to fill rosters. According to our own calculations based on figures provided by the HSE, 7.29% of nurses are on COVID-related leave at present.

Outbreaks

“We know that COVID outbreaks are higher in healthcare settings compared to any other setting. The HSE must take meaningful, long-lasting action to protect our nursing and midwifery workforce. That includes curtailing non-emergency activity until the end of January at least and making improvements to air quality in our hospitals.

“While we welcome the calls from the HSE Chief Executive for hospitals to curtail all non-emergency care for the next two weeks, we believe that this should be extended until the end of January at least to give our nurses and midwives some chance of being able to carry out their work safely.

“Air quality in our hospitals continues to be a huge problem while overcrowding continues to be allowed. We believe that as an employer the HSE has an obligation to provide proper air filtration units such as HEPA filters across our hospitals, especially in overcrowded Emergency Departments and waiting areas.

“It has been especially difficult for nurses and midwives over the last three weeks in particular, they are working in extremely difficult circumstances. The HSE as an employer must do everything it can to protect this workforce, who are the most exposed to this virus day in and day out.”