'Serious concerns' about patient safety, staff burnout' at St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny

New figures show St Luke’s Emergency Department recorded approximately 13,589 attendances for every Emergency Medical Consultant, despite international guidance recommending one consultant per 3,600 — 4,000 patients.

Senator Patricia Stephenson has called on the HSE to urgently address the consultant staffing shortfalls at St Luke’s Hospital, warning current levels fall well short of international best practice and risk undermining patient care across Carlow-Kilkenny.

New figures show St Luke’s Emergency Department recorded approximately 13,589 attendances for every Emergency Medical Consultant, despite international guidance recommending one consultant per 3,600 — 4,000 patients.
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Senator Patricia Stephenson has called on the HSE to urgently address the consultant staffing shortfalls at St Luke’s Hospital, warning current levels fall well short of international best practice and risk undermining patient care across Carlow-Kilkenny.

“Emergency Departments are the frontline of our health service, and they must be properly resourced,” said Senator Stephenson.

“The level of consultant staffing at St Luke’s does not reflect the volume of patients being seen. This raises serious concerns about patient safety, staff burnout, and the overall sustainability of services.”
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“Shockingly, St Luke’s ranks as the third lowest hospital in the country for the Emergency Consultant to patient ratio. Given the large catchment area of St Luke’s across the Southeast and Midlands this is very concerning.”

“I’ve written to the HSE to ask how they intend to bring staffing at St Luke’s in line with best practice. Patients and staff alike deserve confidence that the hospital is adequately resourced to meet demand.”

Senator Stephenson also highlighted that the issue extends beyond Emergency Medicine, noting broader consultant vacancies across the hospital.

“St Luke’s plays a critical role in serving communities across Carlow and Kilkenny and the wider region,” the senator said.
“However, gaps exist across multiple consultant specialties, including cardiology, dermatology, rheumatology, neurology, and respiratory medicine. These shortages place additional pressure on already stretched staff and impact waiting times and patient outcomes.”

Senator Stephenson concluded by emphasising the need for urgent and co-ordinated action.

“This is not simply a workforce issue — it is about ensuring safe, timely, and high-quality care for people across the region. The HSE must act decisively to address these shortages.”