Junior doctors to vote on strike action

Major disruption at the State’s major hospitals could be on the way if the country’s 3,000 junior doctors vote later this week to extend strike action in response to an escalating row over rosters.

About 50 junior doctors at Tullamore Hospital in Co Offaly are taking to the picket line this morning.

Fintan Hourihane of the Irish Medical Organisation says that although today’s action in Tullamore will lead to some procedures being cancelled, disruption will be kept to a minimum.

He said: "I think it's a one-day strike initially, which means that there will be minimal disruption.

"There will be some cancellation of elective procedures but we are taking steps to ensure that emergency cover is provided."

Doctors at Waterford Regional Hospital’s paediatric unit have been striking since Thursday over the same issue.