University of Limerick Hospitals Group calls planned ballot of nurses 'premature'

THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick Hospitals Group have said they are "disappointed" that the INMO have sought to ballot Intensive Care Unit nurses at the hospital for strike action. 

The group have said the "action is "premature given that local engagement and other dispute resolution procedures have not been exhausted.   

On Monday, the Irish Nurses and and Midwives Organisation said a ballot will take place over the coming weeks and they will notify hospital management of the outcome upon completion.

Responding to the news of a ballot, a spokesperson for the ULHG said: "A ballot for strike action is premature given that local engagement and other dispute resolution procedures have not been exhausted.  

"We remain committed to engaging on the matter to ensure satisfactory resolution of the matter. 

Appeals made against new estate in Limerick

"Like all hospitals around the country, we are affected by staffing challenges and there is a concerted focus by the management at the hospital to ensure that staffing deficits are prioritised. 

"We are fortunate to have one of the most modern ICUs in the country. Staff working in the ICU provide exceptional care to our patients."

The spokesperson said that UHL engages regularly with their INMO colleagues regarding issues relating to staffing and other matters.

"Nurse management have had two specific meetings with the INMO on the matter of ICU staffing and these have informed recruitment campaigns as well as planning for nursing staff leave entitlements.

"These meetings have also led to the implementation of a number of short-term measures to ensure the continued safe delivery of care.
 
"Our nursing recruitment campaign has been underway for some time, is running nationally and internationally, and includes a bespoke campaign for ICU nursing.
 
"We have six clinical skills facilitator positions within our critical care unit, who support a significant training programme which includes new staff in the ICU unit.
 
"Currently, staff are redeployed to the ICU to support patient care when required. Standards of care in the ICU, which requires one-to-one care, have always been maintained."