FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 2004 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : HEALTH SERVICE EXECUTIVE - WEST - AND - IRISH NURSES ORGANISATION DIVISION : Chairman: Mr McGee Employer Member: Mr Grier Worker Member: Mr Nash |
1. Workload - 8 additional Public Health Nurses (PHNs)
BACKGROUND:
2. The Union is seeking the full implementation of the HSE's Service Plan of 2004 in respect of the Public Health Nursing Service in Co. Donegal, in this case specifically the addition of 8 Public Health Nurses (PHNs). The Service provides a broad base service aimed at the personal health and social needs of the community. The claim was first referred to the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) in 2003 and a number of conciliation conferences followed. The HSE claims that it is providing a quality service in the circumstances.
Following a failure to reach agreement at the LRC the case was referred to the Labour Court on the 3rd of April, 2007, in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. A Labour Court hearing took place on the 19th of June, 2007, in Sligo.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. The 2004 Service Plan indicated a requirement for 8 additional PHNs, 2 additional Assistants Directors of Public Health Nursing and 14.2 whole-time equivalent (WTE) clerical officers to provide full administrative support for these grades. Since that time there has been 1 additional WTE post sanctioned for work with asylum seekers and 1.5 WTE PHN post allocated to a parallel service which does not impact on the workload of the PHNs in question.
2. There has been a major increase in the workload since 2003 due to an increase in population. The HSE has acknowledged that additional staff promised in 2004 are still required.
HSE'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. The HSE is currently delivering a quality PHN service and approval has been received for 2 additional PHNs and a Registered General Nurse (RGN) in 2007.
2. Management continues to respond positively where staff encounter workload difficulties by utilising the locum PHN or RGN panels. Management has a responsibility to work within its staff allocation.
3. There is currently a permanent panel of 13 PHNs from which existing vacancies will be filled.
RECOMMENDATION:
Having considered the submissions made by both sides and noting that the PHN staff are now available for allocation and that the appointment of one Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing has been assigned, the Court recommends that the funding now be put in place for the implementation, as claimed by the Union, of the staffing aspects of the 2004 Service Plan for the Co. Donegal PHN Service.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Raymond McGee
2nd July, 2007______________________
CONDeputy Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Ciaran O'Neill, Court Secretary.