Talks between HSE and unions over Mid West services

Talks will get under way at the Labour Relations Commission today between the HSE and health service unions.

They are aimed at resolving the row over the reconfiguration of hospital services in the Mid West.

24-hour A&E services are due to be withdrawn from Ennis and Nenagh hospitals next week.

Emergency services will be centralised at Limerick General Hospital.

The HSE plans have been met with huge opposition locally - up to 3,000 people turned out for a rally in Ennis last weekend in protest at the plans.

Local medical professionals have expressed concerns that Limerick General is unprepared to cope with the extra workload.

IMPACT, SIPTU and the INO - who all represent health service workers - say they welcome the intervention of the LRC and they look forward to meaningful engagement with the HSE.