There are currently 30 vacant posts in UHK which have not been filled by temporary staff.
The Tralee hospital has outlined the current vacant posts, which are across a range of departments, that are not covered by locum or temporary arrangements.
In response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly, University Hospital Kerry outlined all permanent vacancies not covered by a temporary staff member.
These vacant positions are across a range of departments and include vacant consultant, doctor, pastoral care, catering assistant, housekeeping, midwifery, social worker and radiographer posts.
UHK employs locum or temporary staff when the need arises; the cost of these staff was over €38 million during a six-year period in recent years.
Among the vacancies are: three consultant posts, one of which has been vacant for over a year, despite being advertised twice; four non-consultant hospital doctor positions; a dietician's post; two housekeeping staff roles; one social worker post; and four radiographer roles.
The hospital says over 30 positions are vacant for periods ranging from months to in excess of a year.
In response to Deputy Daly, UHK says a number of the vacant positions are either awaiting advertising, being advertised, appointed or been unable to fill, despite advertising.
