THE escalation of industrial action by nurses in Louth County Hospital in Dundalk has resulted in a number of clinics and theatre lists being cancelled.
The 99 nurses, members of the Irish Nurses' Organisation, want 21 more nurses appointed. They say the hospital is grossly understaffed, with a growing workload following the appointment of new consultants.
Although they welcome the new appointments, an INO rep resent alive, Ms Maeve Curley, said money should also be invested in the necessary staff to accompany the consultants. A new consultant anaesthetist has been taken on but that means an extra theatre workload for the existing staff, she said.
The introduction of epidurals on demand, which require one to one nursing, can mean only one other nurse at night for other patients, the nursery and any women in labour, Ms Curley said.
The work to rule began on November 22nd but was escalated yesterday. The nurses are not assisting in clinics or in investigative procedures, normally carried out twice a week. General surgery and gynaecological surgery have been cancelled but emergency procedures are not affected.
Ms Curley said the nurses have the support of the consultants and have been invited to meet the Irish Medical Organisation to secure their support.
The North Eastern Health Board would not comment on a package to resolve the dispute believed to have been put before it. A spokesman said the board regretted the nurses' action.