MORE than €13.5 million was spent on agency staff at Letterkenny University Hospital last year, according to figures presented at yesterday’s meeting of the Regional Health Forum West.
Cllr Gerry McMonagle requested a breakdown of the number of agency staff currently employed at the hospital.
The HSE revealed that last year the average weekly number of agency staff working at LUH included 48 in patient and client care roles, 25 in medical and dental positions, six in nursing and midwifery, three in health and social care professional roles, and one in general support.
The total spend on agency staffing at the hospital in 2025 amounted to €13,567,949.
Cllr McMonagle raised questions about the “substantial” number of agency staff employed at the hospital and the significant cost involved.
“I wonder if we’re in a situation where agency staff working conditions are somewhat better than those of staff directly employed by the hospital. Is that a reason for having so many agency staff?
“I don’t know if we can sustain that kind of cost. It would be better for us if the staff worked directly for the HSE,” he added.
In response, Dermot Monaghan, Integrated Health Area Manager in Donegal, explained that agency staff are used while the recruitment process is ongoing and permanent positions are being filled.
Cllr McMonagle also asked how the high costs were impacting the hospital’s budget.
Mr Monaghan said they were, and it was a “significant driver” of costs.
He said the hospital’s reliance on agency staff was a significant challenge and that efforts are focused on recruiting permanent staff to address the issue.