Doctors strike in absence of HSE sanction

Junior doctors will not call off tomorrow’s strike action unless the HSE details how it will “sanction” hospitals which force medics to work excessively long hours.

The Irish Medical Organisation gave the ultimatum amid HSE claims the industrial action — which is set to affect 15,000 patients — is “totally avoidable”.

Speaking on RTÉ’s This Week programme, HSE national director of human resources Barry O’Brien said management is still open to returning to Labour Relations Commission negotiations to prevent Tuesday’s strike action.