On Tuesday 21st October, Fórsa representatives met with Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to discuss the findings of a recent TASC report, commissioned by Fórsa, on morale in the health services which found 76% of staff regularly contemplate leaving. 

The delegation presented the Minister with an executive summary of the TASC report, which will be formally launched in November. The research reveals that staff morale in Irish health services is at a critically low level. 

The discussion with Minister Carroll MacNeill was described by Divisional Executive Committee members as constructive and wide-ranging. There was significant focus on the impact of non-cover for maternity leave, current delays in recruitment, the need for evidence-based workforce planning, improved career progression structures for all grades of staff, and a stronger culture of respect and recognition for staff across the health sector.  

National secretary with Fórsa, Linda Kelly said the meeting provided an important opportunity to ensure that the voices of Fórsa members are heard at ministerial level. 

“Without Fórsa members, we do not have a health service,” she said. “The research confirms what our members have been telling us for some time,” she said. “Staff shortages across a wide range of acute and community services have placed enormous pressure on workers in the health service, from clerical admin to health and social care professionals. The impact on morale has been severe and sustained.

"It should serve as a very loud alarm for senior management and Government alike. The minister took a lot of time at our meeting to understand the drivers of low morale from the perspective of our members and the constructive way she approached the engagement was welcome," she said.

The formal launch of the report will take place in early November.  

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