There are over 160 unfilled staff vacancies at University Hospital Kerry.
That’s according to figures provided in response to a parliamentary question from Kerry Fianna Fáil TD, Michael Cahill.
The figures show, as of the end of April, across several departments UHK had a total of 162 permanent vacancies for staff.
The most vacant positions were in nursing and midwifery, where 49 roles were available.
University Hospital Kerry was seeking to fill 39 vacancies in the health and social care department.
29 positions were available in management and administration, while 21 roles in “General Support” are unfilled.
The Tralee hospital was seeking 14 staff members in the medical and dental department; and a further 10 vacancies in patient and client care.
However, UHK management says of this figure a cohort of posts are filled in a temporary capacity, while a further number are development posts rather than existing vacancies.
Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry Michael Cahill has described the figures as deeply concerning, particularly given the increased demand placed on the health service.
He has called for urgent action to address the vacancies, recruitment and retention, and to alleviate the pressure on frontline services, patients and existing staff.
