HSE reaches deal with unions to extend hospital hours and tackle overcrowding
The HSE explained it had reached an agreement on weekend rosters. Picture: iStock
The HSE has confirmed it has reached an agreement with trade unions to introduce an extended working day and week to help address overcrowding.
In a statement to the , the HSE explained it had reached an agreement on weekend rosters, which will see consultants, social workers, and administrative staff scheduled to work over seven days, rather than five.
"We can confirm that agreement has been reached with the health service trade unions on arrangements to facilitate the introduction of an extended working day and week in the HSE and HSE-funded agencies," a spokesperson said.
"The overarching aim of these extended hours of service is to facilitate smoother patient flow and greater levels of discharge in all parts of the healthcare system over a seven-day week."
According to CEO Bernard Gloster, the move will help with two priorities: patient flow in emergency departments and outpatient clinics operating outside routine hours.
“We want to thank the unions for their engagement. This has been a priority of the Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill and the HSE, and we now look forward to implementing it, focusing on the two priorities of patient flow (ED) and the commencement of outpatient clinics outside routine hours," Mr Gloster said.
