Talks bid to end psychiatric nurses' dispute

5/9/2008 - 7:26:07 AM

Psychiatric nurses and health care bosses will hold talks later today to try to resolve a continuing dispute over compensation claims.

The Psychiatric Nurses' Association (PNA) and Siptu, which represent more than 8,000 psychiatric nurses, and the Health Service Executive (HSE) will attend the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) at noon.

Nurses maintain that the compensation scheme offered to staff attacked on the job undermines their position.

The dispute has already led to the closure of a number of psychiatric units and beds around the country.

Nurses, who are currently refusing to do overtime, accompany patients to mental health tribunals or attend non-essential meetings, are due to escalate their action on Monday.

From then, members will be told to report to their normal work base and not to accept any redeployment.