The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) said today (Tues. 18 th Aug.) it has suspended the commencement of industrial action due to begin on Friday 21 st August at St Ita's Hospital , Portrane following agreement by the HSE to address a number of staffing and other issues at the centre of the dispute.
Nursing staff (members of the PNA) at St Ita's Hospital in Portane, North Dublin were to commence industrial action, up to and including strike action, in protest at the growing impact of staff shortages on St. Joseph's Intellectual Disability services within St Ita's.
Announcing the suspension of the industrial action, PNA General Secretary Designate, Peter Hughes said he was pleased that the HSE has agreed to comprehensively address the issues at St Joseph's which have been unresolved since 2013 when the HSE failed to implement a Labour Court Ruling on staffing at St Joseph's. Recruitment of up to 40 staff in all grades will now commence and agency and overtime staff will supplement existing staff where necessary to maintain services.
‘St Joseph's is one of the largest intellectual disability services in the country and must be fully staffed if it is to provide quality services for clients and a safe working environment for nursing staff. Following detailed discussions with the HSE in recent day , PNA has agreed to suspend the threatened industrial action only on the understanding that the HSE will fully honour the commitments it has given on staff recruitment and other related issues.'
Media Contacts: Michael Guilfoyle 086 2524594/ Derek Cunningham 0862430535