Alliance Concerned By Nursing And Midwifery Vacancy Rates

Alliance Health spokesperson Danny Donnelly MLA has expressed concern over the high vacancy rates for nursing and midwifery staff within Northern Ireland's health service. New statistics from the Department of Health reveal that 22% of current Health and Social Care vacancies are in nursing and midwifery, with 21% specifically in nursing.

"These statistics are very concerning, especially given the specific challenges we faced in our hospitals over the winter period," said Mr. Donnelly. "All aspects of our health service are under huge strain, and these problems are greatly exacerbated by the significant number of vacancies within our nursing and midwifery staff." The East Antrim MLA emphasised the importance of supporting existing staff and called for the swift implementation of the Safe and Effective Staffing legislation.

"The Department of Health must do what it can to support nurses and midwives, and I will be seeking to question the Minister on the progress of work to ensure this," he stated. "This is the latest evidence showing why the proposed Safe and Effective Staffing legislation by the DOH must be delivered without delay, as well as wider measures to ensure better working conditions for our nurses and midwives. We must also consider why many are looking to leave the health service, and what we can do to support people looking to join."