Some 70 per cent of newly-trained nurses leave the health service within 18 months because of pay and conditions in Irish hospitals, the Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) said today.
In recent days a number of health agencies have confirmed they are "facing a complete inability to recruit and retain nursing staff". Bed closures and service cutbacks are increasing as a result, the organisation's general secretary, Mr Liam Doran said.
Health authorities are now closing beds or keeping beds closed which would otherwise be open and community nursing services are being curtailed, leading to a "critical" situation within the health service, he said.
"The irony is that this country continues to seek to recruit nurses, in the Middle East and elsewhere, while ignoring the fact that we cannot retain our own, as evidence suggests that up to 70% of newly qualified Irish nurses have left the Irish health service within 18 months," Mr Doran continued.
Labour spokesperson on Health, Ms Liz McManus there was "chronic disillusionment among our health care professionals" with recent figures showing 1,000 nursing vacancies.
"Unless the Minister takes the concerns of the INO on board and redirects resources to bring nurses back into the profession, we will be facing a very real health-care emergency," Ms McManus said.
The INO published figures today showing 34 beds remain closed in James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown; Beaumont has 19 beds not in use and a number of units elderly care have also closed and Cappagh Hospital has two operating theatres closed.
The organisation said the payment of a loyalty bonus, special tax-based incentives for nurses working in Dublin and paid sabbaticals should be introduced to help retention levels.
Mr Doran said: "The INO is demanding action now in the interests of patients, and nurses and midwives, as the current critical situation just cannot continue where agencies lurch from week to week in constant crisis management."