Nursing disputes leave patients in limbo

MORE than 100 psychiatric patients remain in limbo this week because of delays in labour relations talks and the awaited outcome of a nursing ballot.

A new acute psychiatric ward with room for 45 patients was to open at St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny before Christmas, but it remains closed.

Meanwhile, a new unit for 38 elderly psychiatric patients in Limerick also remains shut because of a row over pay, protocol and procedures.