Clarity needed for staff in private hospitals
Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has called for the Government to clarify if staff in private hospitals that have assumed section 38 of the Health Act, will be given the same rights as healthcare staff in public hospitals.
Deputy Kelly said:
“I completely welcome the fact that private hospitals have come under section 38 of the Health Act and will be operating as public hospitals for the good of our people. I have called for this type of action throughout many of the health crises over the last four years, and am glad to see it happening now.
“Questions now remain whether staff in these private hospitals that are now operating under section 38 will have the same rights as workers who work in the public system.
“Frontline staff need assurances that their rights at work will now match that of those working in a public hospital during this time.
“Trade unions need to also be afforded the opportunity to engage with these essential workers inclusive of collective bargaining at this time.
“I am asking Ministers Donohoe and Harris today to confirm if these essential workers will now be given the opportunity to be treated as public servants throughout this period.”