Statement by the National Implementation Body Reduction in Nursing Hours : Phase One
On foot of its statement of 5th June last, the National Implementation Body (NIB) met with the Nursing Unions and HSE Management representatives to consider further the implementation of the reduction in nursing hours under Phase One of its statement of 15th May, 2007. The Body considered a joint report from the parties on the present position and notes the progress that has been made.
The Body welcomes the considerable efforts made by the parties on a joint basis to clarify and resolve difficulties arising. The NIB considers that these efforts should continue in order to facilitate the process of implementation.
The NIB notes the issues which have arisen in regard to achieving change on a cost neutral basis and in ensuring that there will be no diminution of service. The process of intense engagement by the parties on these issues should continue and within this process the NIB asks all parties to note the following:
that the Body remains disappointed at the failure to reach nationwide agreement ahead of the recommended date of 1st June, 2008; the Body considers that measures to produce cost savings by reallocating expenditure on agency workers and overtime in a manner that might convert some of the existing expenditure into whole-time posts would be acceptable subject to the current budget of the HSE and the overall ceiling on numbers not being exceeded; in regard to achieving change, on a cost neutral basis, the Body requests that the parties consider the possibility of offsetting costs in one area against savings in another; and the parties should agree wording which will assist Directors of Nursing/Midwifery in making determinations with regard to the practical impact of the phase one reduction on services and the Body accepts the emphasis should be on the continuation of the existing quality and quantity of services.
The NIB asks that these renewed intense negotiations, in the context of the foregoing observations of the Body, continue and be completed, within two weeks, with a further report then issuing to the Body no later than Friday, 4th July, 2008.
20th June, 2008
Ends