Health unions to begin lunchtime protests as ballots open

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said concern at 'unsafe staffing' levels had left them with no other option, as union is to ballot for industrial action. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Patients could face another winter of discontent as health unions begin lunchtime protests next week as part of a long-running staffing dispute with the HSE.

Fórsa and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation will also open balloting for industrial action as frustration grows over unfilled posts in the wake of a now-lifted hiring freeze.