SIPTU has urged the Health Service Executive to fast track recruitment of up to 16,000 promised healthcare staff to assist in the battle against Covid-19.
Health Divisional Organiser Kevin Figgis said the health service is under incredible pressure at present, and healthcare workers are extremely fearful that they will not have the numbers to meet the challenges posed by the next wave of the virus.
He noted that in Budget 2021, the Government pledged an additional €4bn for the health service, which was to be earmarked to prioritise the development of community health services, deliver 2,600 additional beds and recruit up to 16,000 additional healthcare staff.