INMO: HSE diverting attention away from overcrowding issue

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has accused the HSE of trying to divert public attention from overcrowding issues at the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick.

It comes after a report on RTE claimed that the HSE is considering implementing changes to nurses rosters in a bid to save money.

In a statement last night the INMO said it has no intention of rising to what it calls "diversionary tactics".

It has deemed reports that the HSE will alter nurses rosters in order to reduce premium and overtime hours a "red herring".

The INMO said this is merely an attempt to divert public attention from the critical patient safety issues highlighted by nurses protesting at the hospital in Limerick.

The organisation also said that the HSE's resources "would be better applied to resolving overcrowding issues and nurse shortages" in Limerick and throughout the acute hospital sector.