HSE TO REPLACE ESSENTIAL POSTS FOR PASTORAL CARE AT PORTIUNCULA HOSPITAL

Date Published: 23-Jan-2013

The HSE has committed to the replacement of essential posts to ensure the ongoing delivery of the pastoral care service at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

It follows concerns raised by the Hospital Action Committee that the service could be under threat due to recent retirements.

The HSE says the Pastoral Care Department is recognised as an integral part of the hospital providing counselling support to patients, families and members of staff in difficult times.

Following two recent retirements from the area, the hospital sought approval to replace these posts with Bereavement Counsellors.

The recruitment process has been initiated.

However, due to the current moratorium on public sector recruitment, approval for all new or replacement posts has to be given by the National Employment Control Group.

The HSE says it’s working through this process for these and other critical front line vacancies at the hospital.

The service is currently being provided by the Chaplain and in addition one of the retired pastoral care workers is providing a voluntary service at the hospital for two days a week.