Psychiatric nurses agree 'groundbreaking' compensation deal

5/16/2008 - 4:03:44 PM

SIPTU and the Psychiatric Nurses Association have agreed to a new compensation package for nurses injured at work.

The agreement brings to an end the two week old dispute during which psychiatric nurses refused to work overtime.

The ban resulted in a number of psychiatric wards in facilities across the country being closed.

Their action will be suspended from 5pm this evening.

SIPTU's Louise O'Reilly said this afternoon that she is "very, very happy" with what had been agreed.

"It represents significant progress, it's a groundbreaking deal," she said.

"The range of injuries went from 13 to 52. The compensation amounts were increased by 60% for many of them."

"We're happy that this was a good deal for our members."