Work to rule taking place at St Camillus' in Limerick

NURSES at St Camillus’ Hospital in Limerick are staging work-to-rule industrial action today, following concerns expressed by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation members over "compromised" clinical care due to unfilled nursing positions. 

According to the INMO, there are 15 vacant positions at the Shelbourne Road facility. 

The INMO and the HSE have engaged in talks since November to fast-track recruitment for the positions, which, the INMO spokesperson said, has left "residents at ongoing risk". 

INMO industrial relations officer, Mary Fogarty said: “Nurses are the lead clinicians in older persons residential services. Their expertise and knowledge of the needs of their patients, and their concerns about the ability of their employer, the HSE, to deliver safe care should not go unheeded. 

"Equally, our members are accountable to patients, families and regulatory agencies to ensure that standards of care are met.

“It is a poor reflection of our health service providers that nurses are driven to take industrial action to protect vulnerable residents in the care of the HSE."

In response to INMO's claims, Mr Bernard Gloster, Chief Officer, HSE Mid West said:  "The action is wholly unnecessary and the description of the risks in already published INMO commentary is not a view shared by the HSE.

"We note and welcome that SIPTU deferred industrial action following a meeting with HSE management but that the INMO refused despite repeated requests. We want to assure families of residents that their care remains our sole priority,” he added.