HSE cancels party for staff who worked through nurse strike

RED-FACED Health Service Executive bosses were last night embarrassed into calling off a drinks and buffet party for staff at a Limerick hospital who worked through the recent nurses’ dispute.

The big “thank you” bash for more than 50 people was cancelled at the last minute after angry nurses informed media that it was to take place at the plush Unicorn bar and restaurant located across from the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle.

The cash-strapped HSE decided to host a night out for clerical staff, receptionists and hospital porters as a thank you for doing extra work during the nurses work-to-rule.

The planned buffet included smoked salmon, spiced goujons of chicken, ribs of pork, Limerick ham, prawns, homemade Maurice Piper chunky chips and a wide selection from the dessert trolleys. A bar tab was also planned for the night.

A spokesman for the Unicorn refused to comment, saying it was a private function.

Nurses at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital overwhelming rejected the proposals that were recently accepted by fellow Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) members to end the work-to-rule.

One hospital source said: “When the nurses heard about the party they flipped. It was bad enough having to see the vote on the dispute go against their wishes but a party for hospital staff who kept working seemed like rubbing their noses in it.”

Spokesman for the HSE in Limerick Michael Walsh said last night: “Management are considering some gesture of appreciation to hospital staff in recognition of their efforts.

“Consideration was given to holding a function tonight at the Unicorn bar and restaurant but this has now been ruled out for various reasons.”

The INO said it had no official comment to make.

The Unicorn was last in the news when staff gave Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin the red card when he took a picnic basket from the boot of his state car and started a family picnic in the pub forecourt.

Furious pub management told Mr Martin they served food before sending him packing in his State Mercedes.