Big differences in absenteeism rates at Mullingar hospital

HSE figures have revealed massive differences in the absenteeism rates in the various sectors at the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar.

According to statistics for the month of June last year, the average absenteeism rate throughout the hospital was 5.24%, significantly higher than the HSE’s target rate of 3.5%. The highest absenteeism rate (7.5%) was in the ‘Other Patient and Client Care’ staff group which, according to the HSE’s website includes ambulance officers, dental nurses and care assistants.

The second highest absenteeism rate was among nursing staff (6.31%), followed by ‘Health and Social Care Professionals’ (4.16%) and ‘Management/Admin’ (3.48%).

The lowest absenteeism rates (0.98%) was among the hospital’s general support staff, who include chefs and catering officers.

Nationally, Lourdes Orthopaedic Hospital in Kilkenny had the highest absenteeism rate (8.77%), while Monaghan Hospital (1.56%) had the lowest.

Despite the worryingly high absenteeism rates in some staffing sectors of Mullingar Regional Hospital and other facilities, in a statement to the Westmeath Examiner the HSE said that the figures are improving.

“Staff absenteeism levels impact on budgets and service delivery in health services around the country. Reducing absenteeism levels is a key result area for HSE managers and is an important factor in monitoring and managing budgets. Combined absenteeism levels have reduced from 5.05% in 2009 to 4.84% for first nine months of 2013.

“It is important to note that the percentage absenteeism may be distorted by a low base of staff to begin with i.e. in some units two people absent out of a complement of 20 is 10% absenteeism, whereas a comparative unit may have a complement of 40 staff and two people absent is 5% absenteeism.

“The demographics of the health services, coupled with the type and environment of work that health service staff work in are also factors that influence rates of non-attendance due to illness.”

* The HSE performance report for the first six months of last year has revealed that agency workers account for 9% of the total pay costs in Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar.

Agency workers accounted for 16% of the total pay costs for ‘support services’, 12% of nursing pay costs and 10% of paramedical pay costs.