Hospital prepares for nurses' stoppage

Beaumont Hospital was tonight finalising its contingency plans ahead of the notified work stoppage by nurses on Friday.

Further talks between hospital management and the Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) strike committee will be held tomorrow morning and, subject to the outcome of these discussions, the hospital hopes to provide services as normal, including outpatient and day patient appointments.

However, patients are warned that unless they hear from the hospital tomorrow, they should attend appointments as normal on Friday, although some delays are anticipated.

Beaumont Hospital, on Dublin's north side, is a 720 bed hospital with the equivalent of 980 whole time nursing staff.

It handles approximately 500 outpatient appointments and 40 surgical procedures per day, including neurosurgery, renal transplantation and cochlear implantation.

"It is likely that as a result of the industrial action Beaumont's Emergency Department will be under increased pressure," said a hospital spokesman.

"Members of the public are asked to attend their GP, if possible, before attending the Emergency Department. Those presenting with minor problems can expect long delays.

"The hospital management wishes to apologise in advance for any delays and to thank the public for their co-operation."

Meanwhile, the INO and PNA have announced plans to stage a protest outside the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, tomorrow night.

This protest, at the launch of the Fianna Fáil Candidates for the 2007 General Election, is a manifestation of the frustration and disappointment of nurses and midwives at their unfair treatment by this government.

"Nurses and midwives will make their views known at this protest on Thursday evening," said Joe Hoolan, INO Industrial Relations Officer.