Have The Lay Offs Begun In The HSE?

[Gruffalo]

I was reading the following article from the Offaly Express:

FIVE contract nurses have been given a week's notice that they are to be let go at Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore.
Lorraine Monaghan, Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) industrial relations officer confirmed that the circular had been sent last Friday informing the nurses that their contracts were not being renewed. The five positions are the equivalent of 4.2 full-time positions at the hospital.

"The latest cut-backs will have serious consequences, both for the existing staff and the patients there," warned Ms Monaghan. "The hospital can't function if they cut more staff numbers."

Ms Monaghan outlined that staff are panicking and they are hugely concerned. "Firstly they are concerned about the members who have been told they are losing their jobs and secondly they are hugely concerned about how the hospital can continue to operate with reduced numbers. We are talking about front-line staff here and patients will suffer."

Nurses laid off at Tullamore Hospital - Offaly Today

I know that cutting 4.2 full time jobs is not going to end the country's financial difficulties but I was wondering is this something that is being done across the country or is this just an isolated incident? Has the chopping begun?

Any sign of useless Mary to take a proper pay cut yet?

[drzhivago]

is this though an example of the easy out

run out of money so drop the nurses
If you have no money you dont need a financial controller/auditor/accountant etc
You are still trying to provide hospital services so will need nurses

Doesn't make sense

[JollyRedGiant]

Don't know about the health service - but hundreds of teachers are losing their jobs all over the country.

[Baron von Biffo]

is this though an example of the easy out

run out of money so drop the nurses
If you have no money you dont need a financial controller/auditor/accountant etc
You are still trying to provide hospital services so will need nurses

Doesn't make sense

It's HSE management we're talking about, sense kills your career.