93 Graduate Healthcare Posts Approved For Midlands Region

It's after Westmeath's Della Clarke raised concerns on Midlands 103 that graduates weren't being given contracts from the HSE.

93 graduate healthcare posts across the Dublin and Midlands HSE region have been approved.  

It's after Westmeath's Della Clarke raised concerns on Midlands 103 that graduates weren't being given contracts from the HSE due to a recruitment freeze. 

36 newly qualified nurses were awaiting employment contracts and commencement dates across hospitals in Tullamore, Portlaoise and Mullingar.

The positions comprise a mix of acute nursing, midwifery and mental health posts, representing an important investment in strengthening frontline healthcare services across the region.

Fine Gael TD John Clendennen said the announcement provides welcome certainty for the newly qualified healthcare professionals and will support the delivery of essential services.

“I am delighted to have received confirmation that 93 positions have now been formally sanctioned across Dublin and the Midlands, including 25 graduate nursing posts here in Tullamore.

“This is very welcome news for our local healthcare services and, importantly, for newly qualified nurses who have invested years in their education and training and are eager to begin their professional careers.

“Recruiting and retaining nurses is essential to strengthening our healthcare system, supporting existing frontline staff and ensuring patients receive the highest standards of care.”

Deputy Clendennen acknowledged recent concerns regarding 36 newly qualified nurses awaiting employment contracts and commencement dates across hospitals in Tullamore, Portlaoise and Mullingar, and emphasised the importance of progressing recruitment without unnecessary delays.

“I fully appreciate the frustration and uncertainty experienced by nursing graduates who have completed their training but have been awaiting confirmation of employment.

“It is essential that these graduates now receive clarity regarding their appointments and that the recruitment process moves forward as quickly as possible.

“At a time when our hospitals continue to face staffing pressures, we must prioritise the recruitment and retention of permanent nursing staff, while reducing our reliance on costly agency personnel.”

It has been confirmed that the approved posts have been allocated across the region’s Integrated Healthcare Areas, with recruitment teams now working to finalise onboarding arrangements and confirm commencement dates with successful candidates.

Deputy Clendennen concluded, “These 25 graduate nursing positions represent a positive investment in Tullamore and our local healthcare workforce.

“I look forward to seeing these newly qualified nurses take up their positions in the coming weeks, and I will continue to advocate for the staffing and resources necessary to deliver high-quality healthcare services for the people of Offaly and the wider Midlands.”