The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation is calling for independent inquiry into the high rates of Covid-19 cases among healthcare staff.
As of May 26, just a third of all Covid-19 cases in Ireland were among healthcare workers.
Figures previously released by the INMO in April show that of healthcare workers who contract the virus, 35% are nurses.
If this continued through May then roughly 1 in 10 cases in Ireland would be among nurses.
The union is calling for regular publication of detailed statistics Covid-19 cases among healthcare workers, in order to identify how it is being transmitted, and to help eliminate that risk.
The INMO sent a letter to the HSE saying that it is “not satisfied” with the level of detailed information available to date.
This warrants “immediate independent scrutiny” the union argued, adding that it will be seeking a review from the Minister for Health.
NMO General Secretary, Phil Nà Sheaghdha, said: “Healthcare workers make up a third of COVID-19 cases in Ireland.
“This is an unacceptably high rate, indicating that something is going wrong on the frontlines. Other countries see far lower rates of infection.
“To fix a problem, you need clear data. We have asked time and time again for the HSE to publish clear, detailed statistics on healthcare worker infection.
This, she argued, would make it clear which services are being the worst hit and are in greatest need of support.
“The state is asking our members to put their lives at risk to defeat this virus. The very least they can do is provide clear information to allay fears and resolve problems.”
