The INMO has stated that it has served notice of industrial action today on HSE Southwest in relation to staffing levels at the newly built Killarney Community Nursing unit.
The INMO has stated its members are very dissatisfied with the proposed staffing levels in the hospital and that there has been a lack of clarity in relation to proposed reconfigurations of units in the service.
INMO Industrial Relations Executive Kathryn Courtney said:
Our members are deeply concerned that the HSE proposal falls short of sufficient staffing required to deliver effective and appropriate safe care on day and night duty.
There is a significant gap between the staffing levels in comparable facilities and those being proposed in Killarney Community Hospital.
Over many months we have made numerous representations to the HSE about the need for clarity around the proposed configuration, and safe staffing to serve the local community and safely meet their health needs,
Sadly this has not been forthcoming, and our members have been left with no choice but to take industrial action in order to seek clarity and to ensure staffing levels are safe for patients and for staff.
The INMO remain available to engage with the employer to reach a resolution on staffing levels for the new build.