Hospital ballot to conclude next week

A ballot of hospital staff members by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), which could result in possible industrial action at Cavan General Hospital, is expected to conclude early next week.
Tony Fitzpatrick, industrial relations officer with the INMO in the North Eastern Area, informed this newspaper that union representatives had met with senior hospital management and officials in recent weeks to express their concerns over ongoing staffing shortages and resulting patient safety.
“There are not enough nurses available on duty to provide safe care at the present time,” Mr Fitzpatrick told the Celt.
Noting that retired staff, staff who have since resigned and staff on leave who have not been replaced, Mr Fitzpatrick went on to explain: “We have sought immediate assurances from management on these concerns but there has been nothing to date. The matter has been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and SIPTU are also balloting its members.”
Mr Fitzpatrick said ballot of INMO members is due to conclude next week, stating that if current circumstances are to continue then there is a danger of staff at the hospital being left “burned out”.
“It’s unsustainable and it can’t continue,” he said.
The RCSI Hospital Group was asked for a comment on behalf of Cavan General Hospital in relation to the union members’ concerns, but no response was available at time of going to print.