Nurses' strike will impact on hospital activity, says HSE

The HSE has said that contingency plans are in place for an expected strike by nurses next week.

However a number of elective surgeries are being postponed as hospitals assess how they will be affected by the rolling two-hour work stoppages.

From 8am next Tuesday, members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation will down tools at seven hospitals across the country.

They are taking the action over working conditions at emergency departments.

However, the HSE has claimed that the main sticking point now is over pay.

The strike at emergency departments in Beaumont, Tallaght, Tullamore, Cavan, Waterford, Galway and Cork's Mercy hospitals will be in place until 4pm.

As a result, the HSE says patients due to undergo elective surgeries at these facilities will be contacted by their team to make alternative arrangements - if their procedure is affected.

Anyone with concerns is asked to contact the patient information line on 1850 24 1850.

Full HSE statement:

Hospitals affected by next week's planned INMO industrial action will have contingency plans in place to minimise, in so far as is possible, the impact of this industrial action on patients. The action to take place on Tuesday, December 15.

The contingency plan will ensure Emergency Departments remain open throughout the duration of the industrial action should any emergency arise.

It is inevitable, however, that the industrial action will impact on hospital activity including elective (planned non urgent) surgery lists for Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Patients whose appointments / procedures are affected are being contacted directly by their individual hospital and advised that their appointment / procedure has been postponed. A new date will be re-scheduled as soon as possible.

As clinically appropriate, hospitals will also be prioritising the discharge of patients over the weekend.

While Hospital Emergency Departments will be open, we would encourage patients, in the first instance, to attend their GP, their local Urgent Care Centre, Minor Injuries Unit or their Out of Hours GP service where appropriate.

The hospitals affected by the strike action being taken by the INMO on Tuesday December 15 include Beaumont, Tallaght (adult ED only), Mercy Hospital, Cavan, Waterford, Tullamore & Galway University Hospital.