STAFF AT Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin, took part in a demonstration outside the hospital’s gates at lunchtime yesterday over proposed cuts in staffing levels.
Up to 120 temporary staff may be let go in an attempt by the hospital to save €7 million this year. The Health Service Executive has said the hospital is way over its approved staffing levels.
The protest was organised by the Impact trade union, which represents therapists, social workers, administrative and managerial staff.
Speaking at the event, Impact official Dessie Robinson rejected HSE claims that the cuts would not affect services. “These cuts will hurt kids. You can’t slash a hospital budget by €7 million without cutting jobs. You can’t cut jobs without hurting services and lengthening waiting lists,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Irish Nurses Organisation has criticised management at Crumlin and the HSE for not consulting with it on the proposed cuts. It has sought an urgent meeting with hospital management.