Emergencies have to take priority when there are lack of resources. There is need for adjustment rather than panic and demolition. The scapegoating in the recent article is unhelpful and shows little insight. Modern hospital medicine is based on multidisciplinary teams. All members must be present for optimal effectiveness.
Recruitment is a problem at present.
Work practices in industry have changed. Talent and initiative are rewarded. The hospitals need to institute similar pay inducements if they hope to keep their health care workers. The exit seen in the nursing ranks is also happening in other groups. The negative images generated by high litigation rates, tribunals and a hostile media has resulted in a number of highly trained specialists turning down consultant posts in Ireland.