The Irish healthcare sector is grappling with increasing pressures related to staffing shortages, wage concerns, long-term care capacity, and a widening public-private pay gap, according to a new report.
These challenges are being exacerbated by soaring demands from an aging population, placing unprecedented strain on the system.
Excel Recruitment’s Healthcare Salary Guide for 2025 highlights significant wage adjustments set for January 2025, including a 10 per cent overall increase due to minimum wage hikes.
Minimum salary thresholds for non-EU nurses requiring critical skills visas will rise to €44,000, while healthcare assistants will see their thresholds increase to €34,000.
Rising operational costs and recent salary hikes in the Health Service Executive (HSE) have widened the pay gap between public and private providers, with private sector pay lagging by nearly 20 per cent.
To mitigate these challenges, some private employers have begun offering pay matching with the HSE, alongside additional perks such as increased leave, statutory sick pay, and pension options. These measures aim to address staffing shortages and enhance competitiveness within the sector.
The report also notes a growing trend of healthcare professionals prioritising work-life balance. Many are opting for lower-stress roles in nursing homes and step-down facilities, moving away from the high-pressure environments of traditional hospitals.