Carlow nurses vote for industrial action

The Irish Nurses Organisation has warned that it will take whatever action it deems necessary to secure adequate working conditions for its members in Carlow town.

Nurses at the Sacred Heart Hospital voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action this afternoon as part of a dispute over staffing levels.

INO spokesman said the hospital’s policy of only replacing a nurse on sick leave after seven days absence is one of the reasons for today’s vote.

He said such measures cause undue stress to other staff members.