A Kerry councillor is seeking clarity from the HSE around staffing caps at University Hospital Kerry.
Sinn Féin councillor Deirdre Ferris was speaking after concerns were raised for agency staff at the hospital and the impact on services, in particular, the canteen.
Cllr Deirdre Ferris says a recent HSE South West Regional Forum (on July 9th) were told there would be no cuts to agency staff at UHK.
However, she says a week later staff were informed this was in fact happening (July 16th)
The Sinn Fein councillor stated hospital staff were told these cuts would particularly affect the running of the canteen, which is mostly operated by agency staff.
Cllr Ferris says staff were also told services at the canteen would be severely scaled back and there would no longer be hot food available.
In correspondence to Cllr Ferris, HSE South West Integrated Healthcare Area Manager Kerry, Julie O’Neill, stated there will be no staffing or service cuts.
Cllr Deirdre Ferris says local representatives and staff are being left in the dark, and is seeking clarity on the situation:
