INO vows to win ‘war’ for better conditions

NURSING leaders vowed yesterday to win the “war” for better conditions, as protesting staff took their strike to the streets.

Several hundred nurses walked out of Beaumont Hospital just after 11am, to the cheering support of local onlookers as well as some patients.

Up to 26 appointments and procedures were cancelled, the hospital said.

Waves of cheers rang out though beyond the hospital walls as the Irish Nursing Organisation (INO) warned of a long campaign ahead.

Speaking to assembled crowds, INO president Madeline Spiers said all nurses wanted was “equity and fairness”.

“We’ve heard about the war room in Phoenix Park (the HSE headquarters) to deal with the nursing issue. Well at least that’s one room of the HSE’s that works.

“Listen to us, we are here for the long haul up to the election and after the election. Whatever government is there will have to deal with us.”

Beaumont Hospital said the one-hour stoppage “did not give rise to any disruption of services” over what was anticipated.

But a “small number of outpatient appointments and one day procedures” will be rescheduled within the next fortnight,” a statement said.

However, hospital management warned that a prolonged dispute would make it increasingly difficult for the hospital to maintain its services.

Outside, INO local officer Eamon Matthews encouraged staff to close ranks in the days ahead: “We are here in solidarity with every nurse in Ireland who is in this war, a war we will win.”

One protesting nurse, Alice O’Leary, carried the placard ‘Ryanair are flying us to Australia’, warning about the exodus of Irish nurses abroad. An estimated 30% of newly qualified Irish nurses seek work abroad after just two years.

Maura Fitzsimons, a patient from north Dublin, backed calls for better pay and reduced hours for nurses. She praised the nursing support given to her after her leg was amputated three years ago.

As blaring ambulance sirens and passing car horns egged nurses on, INO general secretary Liam Doran dismissed reports that nurses were getting paid €56,000.

“I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find a nurse on that,” he said, warning staff to dismiss spin being relayed by health chiefs.

“Every day you turn the screw with a work-to-rule, putting pressure on the management is a good day,” Mr Doran said.

He asked nurses to have “patience, fortitude, solidarity and commitment”.

The assertive union leader also added: “Stay loyal, stay united.”