Tallaght Hospital to be hit by strike action

THERE have been warnings of disruption next week at Tallaght Hospital after a decision by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) to proceed with industrial action.

The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, which incorporates both Tallaght and Tullamore hospitals, said the strike action will take place in Tallaght Hospital from 10am to 12pm and at Tullamore Hospital from 12pm to 2pm on Tuesday.

“Notwithstanding these times, disruption may persist throughout the day at both hospitals,” a statement from the group reads. “The other emergency department hospitals within the group (St James’ Hospital, Naas General Hospital and Portlaoise Hospital) may also experience some disruption as a result of the industrial action.”

The statement adds that while hospital emergency departments will remain open, members of the public should avoid attending unless absolutely essential.

Dr Susan O’Reilly, CEO of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group said:  “I wish to reassure patients and members of the public that we are focused on maintaining patient care in all our emergency departments, notwithstanding the planned industrial action. 

“Staff at Tallaght and Tullamore hospitals are working hard to ensure that the majority of patient services are maintained. We regret that some non-urgent elective procedures in the two hospitals will be cancelled as a result of this industrial action.

“These patients will be contacted and prioritised to have their appointments rescheduled.”

The Irish Nurses and Midwives’ Organisation confirmed that industrial action will take place next Tuesday following a breakdown of talks at the Workplace Relations Commission.

Despite four days of negotiations, the INMO claimed that no specific proposals have been offered by management officials to resolve a number of issues and concerns raised by the organisation.