The INMO is calling for government to consider the impact on healthcare workers in its response to fuel price surges in the coming weeks. Noting the need for many nurses and midwives to drive long distances in the course of working in the community, the union urged that any measures must ensure nurses and midwives are not out of pocket due to price increases.
Increases in fuel prices are being discussed primarily in terms of their impact on business and households across the country. However, it is important that the national response to these increased prices does not overlook their effect on individuals who are required to drive in the course of providing invaluable public services, most notably frontline healthcare workers in the community.
The INMO would urge the government to consider the impact on Public Health Nurses, Community Registered General Nurses, Community Nurses in Intellectual Disability Services, Community Midwives and more, whose services must continue to be provided, while they are personally severely affected by surges in fuel prices.
The expectation cannot be that these services must continue at an increased personal cost to individual healthcare workers, and economic measures, whether in the form of reduced taxes on fuel and heating oil or in other financial relief, must be taken to relieve pressure on these vital service providers.