Drumm blasts 'attempts to block' Cork maternity hospital opening

The head of the Health Service Executive has blasted what he described as attempts to block the opening of Cork University Maternity Hospital.

Last-ditch efforts to resolve the on-going row between nurses and the HSE have been underway since this morning.

The noon opening of the facility was delayed to 4pm but that deadline passed without a resolution.

The Irish Nurses Organisation is advising expectant mothers to report to their original hospitals until further notice.

Professor Brendan Drumm said he was dismayed by the actions of the INO, and added that he deplored attempts to portray this issue to expectant mothers and the public as one of patient safety.