Nurses appeal to keep A&E flowing

Oliver McDonagh, SIPTU's National Nursing Officer, has appealed to the public not to attend Accident and Emergency units this Christmas unless absolutely necessary.

A&E nurses say they are dreading the festive season and have described 2003 as the "worst year ever in their experience".

A&E staff say they're extremely frustrated because initiatives put in place to ease the crisis haven't worked and overcrowding is continuing.