SIPTU says HSE took back invite to take part in A and E talks 'without explanation'

SIPTU is calling for the HSE to reopen its invitation to the union's members to take part in forums about the overcrowding crisis in hospitals.

The union says its members were originally included in forums aimed at evaluating what can be done to improve conditions in Emergency Departments (ED), but the invitation has been rescinded.

SIPTU says all representative bodies for ED workers should be part of the current forum discussions.

Health division organiser Paul Bell, said he wanted to know why the HSE took back their invitation.

"The HSE issued an invitation to SIPTU to attend local discussions to assist in this process. In the latter part of last week, the letter of invitation was rescinded without explanation," he said.

"Our members are deeply concerned about that, because we agree members like heathcare assistants, radiographers and ambulance personnel have a role to play in the Accident and Emergency departments."