Queries over nurse recruitment ‘embargo’ at hospital in Kilkenny

A nurse on a panel to work for a hospital in Kilkenny has seemingly been told there is an ‘embargo’ on the recruitment of nurses, despite contrary comments made by the Taoiseach.

The nurse, who travels to Cork to work a 12-hour shift every day, and is due to be on a panel for a hospital in Kilkenny, has been told there is an ‘embargo’, according to a Laois TD.

During a parliamentary session earlier this June, Brian Stanley raised the issue by asking if there was an embargo or not on the recruitment of nurses.

“I am aware of another nurse in County Laois who is travelling to work a 12-hour shift in Cork every day,” he said.

“She is on a panel for a hospital in Kilkenny, but has been told there is an embargo.

“The Taoiseach stated yesterday there is no embargo on the recruitment of nurses. Is there or is there not an embargo?”

Fianna Fáil TD, Mary Butler, responded: “For clarity, there is no embargo for newly trained graduate nurses into CAMHS.

“There is a moratorium in place for certain posts, but not for consultants, graduate nurses or 130 dedicated staff members across several CAMHS teams.”