Angry nurses hit out at claims of 'dossing' culture

NURSES reacted furiously yesterday to claims that "dossing" on the job was preventing as many as 1,800 additional operations going ahead each year at Limerick's Mid-Western Regional Hospital.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) Mid-West said an investigation found 45 extra patients a week could undergo surgery if unofficial tea breaks were abolished, and if the nurses worked their full contracted hours.

The HSE said the performance blackspot is costing the hospital over €500,000 a year.