HEALTH and Social Services is facing a serious challenge to recruit staff, the department’s deputy minister has admitted.

It comes after the resignation of two senior nurses forced it to announce the closure of 10 beds at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital for around five months.

Deputy Barry Brehaut (pictured) said the board very much regretted the reduction on Giffard Ward, which could lead to non-urgent operations being delayed.

He added the primary consideration was patient safety.

‘Staff recruitment and retention is becoming a significant challenge for HSSD and we have to face up to the difficult reality that for a number of different reasons. Guernsey is not as attractive as is once was,’ said Deputy Brehaut.

‘Historically Guernsey could rely on England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for new recruits, but over recent years potential staff have sought to broaden their horizons.’

He added that newly-qualified staff had no hesitation in looking for a post in Australia, for example.

‘We are in an incredibly competitive and attractive job market. We try extremely hard to get the right package, the right salary and the most appropriate housing licence – and the new clinical block will be a useful tool in the recruitment box.’