Industrial action at Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe has ceased after the HSE and INO came to an agreement on an independent review of the events leading up to Monday's work-to-rule. The review will centre on the hospital's application of the disciplinary and grievance procedures set down by the HSE. Nurses began the industrial dispute after two senior nurse managers with more than 50 years' experience between them were suspended under the procedures. They believe the procedures were used harshly.

Last Friday, hospital management refused to enter into scheduled Labour Relations Commission discussions on the issue. This followed a lunchtime protest last Tuesday.

However, the HSE and INO yesterday released a joint statement, in which they said the independent review would be carried out within an agreed time frame.

According to the HSE Employers’ Agency Assistant Chief Executive, Brendan Mulligan, the priority now is to resume the normal range of services at Portiuncula Hospital.

The INO's General Secretary, David Hughes said members at Portiuncula welcomed the resolution of the dispute and are satisfied the integrity of the nationally agreed procedure will be subject to a fair review. Members also welcomed the mediated return of their colleagues to work.

The INO's Industrial Relations Officer for the West, Noreen Muldoon, said the INO was extremely happy with the outcome to the dispute and thanked other unions for supporting the union's members.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment