Midland Hospitals Record Mixed Trends In Agency Staffing Spend

The HSE says agency staff remain vital to safe services amid global staff shortages.

Agency staffing costs at Midland hospitals shows mixed trends in 2025 as the HSE continued to grapple with persistent workforce shortages across nursing, clinical and other frontline roles.

Tullamore General Hospital recorded agency expenditure of €22.336 million, up 12.6% from €19.836 million in 2024, while Mullingar General Hospital saw the largest increase, rising 33% to €34.825 million.

Meanwhile, Portlaoise General Hospital reduced agency spending by 3%, falling from €21.349 million in 2024 to €20.706 million in 2025.

The HSE says agency staff remain essential to maintaining safe services, despite ongoing global shortages and difficulties securing both staff and accommodation.

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