Dublin radiotherapy unit struggling to cope with demand

St Luke's Hospital in Dublin has warned that it is struggling to cope with demand for its radiotherapy services.

The warning comes as the Irish Nurses Organisation threatened strike action over hospital cutbacks which it said will affect patient care.

Union representatives are to meet management at the Mater Hospital in Dublin today over its plans to lay off temporary workers, remove cover for sick and maternity leave and close further wards.

The hospital said the measures are necessary to avoid a massive budget deficit.