Staffing challenges at Coombe

The Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital in Dublin has sought an “uplift” to a “HSE imposed” staff ceiling.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Coombe’s board of guardians and directors in May, according to minutes obtained by the Medical Independent (MI) under Freedom of Information law.

Board members discussed human resource matters and the “HSE imposed staffing ceiling”. Members were told that an “uplift” in the ceiling had been sought.

The process for filling maternity leave posts must go through the Regional Executive Officer of HSE Dublin and Midlands, the meeting heard. However, approvals will only be forthcoming if the hospital is operating within its whole-time equivalent (WTE) ceiling and can manage the cost within its financial limit. This was “extremely challenging given we have not had an uplift to our WTE ceiling following the meeting with the HSE in February”, according to the minutes.

A Coombe spokesperson told MI that the uplift to the WTE ceiling had not yet occurred, but the hospital continued to engage with the HSE.

“While it continues to be a challenge, importantly, it has not affected patient care or safety.”

Separately, the board meeting in March considered proposals to invite a GP who provides services in the local area to join the board. This was because the previous GP who retired from the board was not replaced.

The spokesperson said the position had not yet been filled as the hospital was still seeking a suitable candidate.