The current hospital overcrowding crisis is having detrimental affects on nurses and patients alike.
Nurses have stated that they are struggling to cope under the current pressures upon them.
The past three days alone have seen over 500 patients lying on hospital trolleys around the country. The hospital waiting rooms nationwide have been described as ‘battlezones’.
General secretary of Irish Nurses & Midwife Organisation (INMO) Liam Doran said the organisation have had extended discussions with the HSE and government figures last night.
INMO have declared that 90% of Irish nurses are in favour of industrial action. This action could very well be in the next few weeks.
Doran stated: “We clearly outlined the extent of the crisis, the implications for patient care, for workload and the whole health and safety of staff,” he said.
Management have asked for a week to produce proposals in writing. The sides are due to meet again on January 23 to consider the measures, and nurses’ response to them.”