Almost 1,000 hospital consultant positions in Ireland remain unfilled on a permanent basis, with some vacancies stretching back for years, according to recent figures. The Health Service Executive (HSE) reported that, as of last month, there were 480 vacant consultant posts, including 323 newly created positions that are currently being recruited for. Additionally, 356 permanent positions are temporarily filled by locum staff, while 68 positions are staffed by agency workers. The status of 29 posts is unknown but is likely to be vacant.
The statistics reveal that last month there were 933 consultant positions not filled on a permanent basis, which amounts to over one-fifth of all vacant posts. This represents a significant increase from the 720 unfilled positions reported in September 2021. Alarmingly, one in five of these vacancies have remained open for more than two years, underscoring a long-standing issue within the healthcare system.
Analysis of the vacant posts distributed across the health service shows that BreastCheck has seven unfilled consultant positions out of a total of 44. In Dublin’s children’s hospitals, there are 48 vacancies out of 301 posts. Crumlin children’s hospital requires seven pediatricians, four radiologists, and four anesthetists. The Mater hospital in Dublin has 38 vacancies, with eight of these in radiology. Nationally, psychiatry has the highest number of unfilled posts.
The figures have raised concerns, with Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane describing them as worrying. Cullinane emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive and strategic workforce plan that significantly increases training opportunities in the healthcare sector. He stressed the recruitment and retention crisis in various healthcare fields, including nursing, mental health, general practitioners, dentistry, and professionals caring for children with disabilities. Cullinane also highlighted the housing crisis as a barrier to recruitment in the public service.
The Irish Hospital Consultants’ Association (IHCA) commented on the persistent nature of the problem, stating that the number of vacant or unmet permanent consultant posts has remained around 900 for the past two to three years. They criticized the government and health service management for downplaying the consultant recruitment and retention crisis. The IHCA’s spokeswoman pointed out that the significant number of unfilled permanent positions is adversely affecting services and contributing to lengthy waiting lists.
Meeting patients’ needs both now and in the future requires a minimum of 2,000 additional consultants to be appointed by 2030, according to projections. This equates to an additional 300 consultants annually. Addressing this crisis is of paramount importance to ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare services. The healthcare system is in desperate need of solutions to resolve the ongoing shortage of consultants.
In conclusion, the shortage of permanent hospital consultants in Ireland remains a pressing issue, with almost 1,000 positions currently unfilled. The figures highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive workforce plan and increased training opportunities to meet patients’ needs. The persistently high number of unfilled positions has adverse effects on services and waiting lists. Resolving this crisis requires a strategic approach from the government and health service management. Taking prompt steps to address the shortage will help ensure the provision of quality healthcare services both now and in the future.
