Harney attacks health staff attitude to work practices

Minister for Health Mary Harney has launched a stinging attack on health service staff and their attitude to work practices.

Yesterday, the HSE cancelled a number of operations at Kerry General Hospital as a result of the row that has led to the suspension of around 35 electricians.

However, it says no further procedures will be affected today.

The electricians are involved in a dispute over work practices, including whether general operatives should be allowed to change light-bulbs instead of qualified electricians.

Meanwhile, it has also emerged today that an urgent operation for a sick teenager was delayed at Limerick Hospital because no porter was available to wheel the patient to theatre.

Speaking about the matter in Dublin today, Ms Harney called on health staff to "cop on" and said the situation was unacceptable.