Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte, has expressed her concern that Galway University Hospital currently has 24 vacant consultant posts.
Deputy Rabbitte said last evening that it is the case with the onset of winter illnesses just around the corner.
“It is very worrying that we have 24 vacant consultant posts. These include 20 full time roles and four temporary. We are entering the busy winter period in which demands on all hospital resources become stretched.
“I do not take much hope from the fact a recruitment process for these roles is underway. Not withstanding the dedicated work of the management and staff of Galway University Hospital, there are strict recruitment and financial limitations at present within the HSE.
“We have been down this road before. A panel is filled with suitable candidates but when it comes to the final hiring process money cannot be allocated from the Department as a consequence of poor budgetary management from government.
“There can be no delay in filling many of the posts currently vacant. I will be raising my concerns with the Minister for Health and seeking his commitment to supporting Galway University Hospital to ensure posts are filled in a timely manner,” concluded Deputy Rabbitte.
