HSE approves just seven out of 172 CUH posts despite 'risk' warning

In response to the call for increased priority posts, the HSE has approved only seven of the 172 requested positions. Picture: Chani Anderson.

    Rachel Lysaght The Health Service Executive (HSE) has approved only seven priority posts at Cork University Hospital (CUH) in recent weeks, despite a request to fill 172 ahead of the winter season.

In a letter sent to the HSE in August, the chief executive of CUH Jennifer Kearney called for an immediate escalation of the CUH workforce.

Ms Kearney said that the hospital is down 1,050 staff, and believes the current process is "creating a foreseeable risk to patients and staff".

She also highlighted that 348 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts were vacant, despite secured funding.