Galway psychiatric nurses warn of potential strike action

Psychiatric Nurses at University College Hospital in Galway have warned the HSE they will undertake industrial action within the next fortnight, if new staff aren't hired.

HSE officials have told the Psychiatric Nurses Association that they've held interviews and the process of recruiting new staff is underway.

It comes members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action at UCHG over the ongoing problem of staff shortages at the facility.

"On particular days when they might require up to 15 and a half staff on that roster … there have been occasions for parts of the day when it's down to nine staff … and that puts a huge pressure on the staff in terms of being able to react to the needs of patients," he said.