One in four positions across Cork children’s disability network teams currently vacant 

One in every four positions in children’s disability network teams (CDNTs) in Cork is currently vacant, with just 150 of 207 posts filled, an increase in vacant posts when compared to last year.

Figures provided by the HSE show staffing levels by region and by discipline, with the staff shortage most acute for dieticians — of just 2.5 whole-time equivalent (WTE) posts sanctioned for Cork, one is vacant.

This means that around only 60% of the role is filled.

Overall, the highest vacancy rate was 38% in CDNT 13, covering Carrigaline, Kinsale, Bandon and Crosshaven; followed by 34% in CDNT 7, covering Cobh, Glanmire, Riverstown, and Carrigtwohill; and 31% in CDNT 8, covering areas including Mayfield, Montenotte, Tivoli, The Glen, Blackpool, and Carrignavar.

Some 23% of posts were vacant in CDNT 5, covering Castlelyons, Fermoy, and Mitchelstown; as well as CDNT 12, covering Ballincollig, Bishopstown, Macroom, Ovens, Wilton, and Crookstown.

In CDNT 11, which covers Douglas, Blackrock, Mahon, Passage West, and Ballinlough, 24% of the HSE positions were unfilled.

CDNT 10 (Beara, Bantry, Mizen, Drimoleague, Dunmanway, Ballineen, Rosscarbery, Skibbereen, and Clonakilty) had 18% vacant posts; CDNT 6 (Midleton and Youghal) had 13%, and CDNT 9, which encompasses areas including Blarney, Sunday’s Well, Farranree, Gurranabraher, and Knocknaheeny, had 12%.

The lowest vacancy rates were 9% and 6% in CDNT 4 (Charleville, Buttevant, Kanturk, Mallow, Millstreet and Newmarket), and CDNT 14, (Turner’s Cross, Frankfield, Togher, Ballyphehane, Greenmount, The Lough, and Lehenaghbeg).

Overall, 81% of physiotherapy posts are filled, but there is considerable variation across CDNTs.

In CDNT 12, less than a third of posts are filled.

Some 84% of psychology, nursing, and therapy assistant posts are filled, but CDNT 6 has no nurse in place, despite a funded post for one.

There is a 33% vacancy overall in the discipline of social work, with the shortages most acute in CDNT 11.

Some 76% of occupational therapy posts are filled, however there is a vacancy rate of 41% in both CDNT 11 and CDNT 13.

A total of 86% of management and admin roles are filled, while across all other disciplines 71% of posts were filled.

HSE response 

A HSE spokesperson said: “The HSE and its Section 38 and Section 39 lead agencies are operating in a very competitive global market for healthcare talent.

“There are significant shortages of qualified healthcare professionals across the globe.

“This is impacting on the filling of posts and as such impacts on the full delivery of services to families.”

They added that the HSE “continues to make every effort to fill posts as quickly as possible and ensure measures are in place to minimise the impact on children and their families”.

Fórsa’s Linda Kelly told The Echo that the union “has been raising the issue of recruitment and retention challenges for several years now”.

“We are still waiting on a meaningful workforce plan for CDNTs. This needs to be a priority for the new ministers who have taken office.”

Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould, to whom the figures were provided, told The Echo that figures he got last year showed a vacancy rate in Cork CDNTs of 23%, saying: “Increasing vacancy rates, when children’s disability services are in crisis, is nothing short of scandalous.”