Agency staff ‘challenges consistent care’ — HSE

The use of locum and agency staff generates “challenges” in providing care that is of a “consistent high standard” and in providing “continuity of care as patients return for ongoing care and treatment”, the HSE has accepted. September compliance with the European Working Time Directive 24-hour shift limits was 89 per cent, the HSE has reported, which represented a decrease from 95 per cent in August. Compliance with the 48-hour working week limit was 60 per cent in September, also down, this time from 63 per cent in August. Recruitment of NCHDs continued to be “very challenging” and was not…