Anaesthetists in strike ballot over pay at CUH

Non-consultant anaesthetists in Cork University Hospital are to be balloted for strike action over the alleged failure to give them their contracted rates of pay since last July.

If strikes go ahead, informed sources believe it could lead to the cancellation of elective operations, though emergency cover would be maintained.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) yesterday issued ballot papers to its non-consultant hospital doctor (NCHD) members in the Department of Anaesthetics at CUH. Those papers must be returned by December 11, meaning potential strike action could be on the cards within weeks.