Beaumont Hospital annual report 1997

Abstract

A major worry for the hospital which is occupying much of the Hospital Board's time is the shortage of nursing staff. We are aware that Beaumont is not unique in relation to this issue. We must do all within our power to address this shortage and take whatever appropriate measures necessary to rectify the situation. I am fully aware that the Director of Nursing and her Executive are monitoring the overall situation on a regular basis and taking the necessary steps to ensure that we continue to provide the highest quality of patient care. Be assured that we will no t let our standard of patient care drop. The Strategic Planning Exercise commenced in November, and the many associated Task Groups have begun their work. I am encouraged by the large number of staff participating in these groups. It is a unique opportunity for staff to be able to input th eir ideas opinions and views as to the future shape and direction of the hospital. We look forward to the output from these groups, due in the middle of 1998. I would again encourage as many staff as possible to continue to participate in this exercise. Each year, there is a fine balancing act or task to be performed by the hospital. The task is to conunue to provide a high quality service. with activity levels increasing all the time, whilst attempting to stay within the budget allocated to us by the Department of Health and Children. It is becoming an almost impossible task to complete, especially with the restrictions which are put on us by the Budget we are allocated. The overall issue of how funding is calculated and allocated needs to be examined alluded to this in last year's report. but things continue to get more and more pressurised. Very little, if any, progress has been made, and I do feel that there is a major opportunity for overhaul in this area with the introduction of the new ERHA. Beaumont will continue to push for this.