Management at TUH in Clonmel has confirmed a shortage of midwifery staff at present.
The hospital has approximately 1000 deliveries per annum.
The staff shortage was raised in the Dáil last week as INMO staff at the hospital informed management that they could not be held responsible for any adverse outcomes due to staffing deficiencies.
Hospital Management say that all possible avenues are being used to recruit staff, and that the current shortage is managed by using staff from other maternity units within the South South West hospital group, using overtime payments and agency staff.
Hospital management says patient safety is prioritised and it monitors the staffing levels on a daily basis taking necessary actions in terms of workload and activity in line with the risk assessment and management plan in place.
In addition, registered general nurses with previous midwifery experience are allocated to the post-natal ward to assist midwifery staff provide care for mother and babies.
In a statement to Tipp Mid West Radio hospital management says the current national shortage of midwifery staff is a cause for concern and the ability to safely staff maternity units.
The full statement follows:
“The Maternity Services in Tipperary University Hospital ( Tipp UH) is currently experiencing a shortage of midwifery staff.
The hospital is utilising all recruitment options to provide the appropriate midwifery staffing levels including local, national and international recruitment. The hospital management team is working closely with the Maternity Directorate and South/South West Hospital Group (SSWHG) to manage the current midwifery staffing deficit including the allocation of some midwives from maternity units within the Directorate where this is feasible. Overtime and agency are being utilised where this is an option.
Hospital management is very mindful of the safety of mothers and their babies and staff in the unit and monitor the staffing levels on a daily basis taking necessary actions in terms of workload and activity in line with the risk assessment and management plan in place. All necessary actions are taken to ensure the safety of the women attending the service in TippUH including ongoing risk assessments and escalation as necessary.
To support the unit, registered general nurses with previous midwifery experience are allocated to the post-natal ward to assist midwifery staff provide care to mothers and their babies. The current national shortage of midwifery staff is a cause for concern and the ability to safely staff maternity units. The hospital and hospital group will continue to actively monitor closely.”
