A long-running dispute over parking spaces for staff at St. James’ Hospital in Dublin has prompted some nurses to begin looking for employment elsewhere.
Management at St. James’ decided some months ago to remove up to 300 staff car parking spaces to facilitate works on the controversial new Children’s Hospital. As an interim measure, staff were told they would be allowed to park at alternative sites while works were ongoing. However, some of these sites close before the nurses’ shift finish, and are usually already full before they start work in the morning. Furthermore, some of the areas where alternative parking is sited would be deemed to be unsafe for women after dark.
It has emerged that many of the staff have no option but to drive in their private vehicle, as public transport schedules would make it impossible to be at work on time.
And now, left without anywhere to park their car, some staff have now begun looking for work elsewhere.
The Irish and Midwives Organization (INMO) is said to be considering balloting its members for industrial action over the issue.