Potential breakthrough in nurse strike talks

For the second time in almost in a moth, a breakthrough has been reached between the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and the HSE who avert potential strike action, after an agreement was reached to consider a range of proposals at hospitals around the country.

A two-hour work stoppage had been due to take place at Cavan General and six other Emergency Departments around the country on January 14.

The agreement comes following marathon weekend talks between all parties at the Workplace Relations Commission.

Measures to alleviate overcrowding in EDs had already been agreed upon before Christmas, however in recent weeks, nurses expressed ‘a complete lack of confidence' in the ability of hospital managers to deliver such measures.

Following a national meeting of the INMO's ED representatives last week, the organisation said it was proceeding with planned strike action on January 14 at Beaumont and Tallaght Hospital in Dublin, Cavan General, Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, Mercy University Hospital in Cork, University Hospital Waterford and University Hospital Galway.

Speaking after that meeting, INMO general secretary, Liam Doran stated it was “quite clear that health employers will have to make a monumental effort to begin convincing frontline nursing staff in EDs that the WRC proposals will be implemented and will make a real difference to patient care and safe nursing practice”.

The INMO Executive Council will discuss the latest proposals later this afternoon to decide whether they are sufficient to call off Thursday's strike action.