Mental health nurses meet over ‘HSE backtracking’

Mental health nurses due to transfer to a new psychiatric unit are to hold an emergency meeting tonight on foot of what they describe as “HSE backtracking” on an agreement brokered to resolve a row that has delayed its opening by seven months.

While the Health Service Executive (HSE) has set a target date of August 5 for the opening of the new acute 50-bed unit on the Cork University Hospital campus, some nurses are unhappy that the additional promised staff have not yet been recruited.

They are also seeking reassurances around the date of regularisation of 12 staff in acting higher posts, promised as part of the agreement, and they are looking for a date for the opening of a six-bed high observation ward within the unit.