Kildare TD appeals to Taoiseach to intervene in Naas General Hospital dispute

A Kildare TD has appealed directly to the Taoiseach to intervene in the work-to-rule dispute at Naas General Hospital.

Speaking in the Dail on Wednesday afternoon, Aidan Farrelly, Social Democrats, outlined to Taoiseach Micheál Martin that on Monday, “nurses began a work to rule in Naas General Hospital over what they say are unacceptable and unsafe staffing deficits.

“These include a failure to comply with a safe staffing frameworks, a failure to increase staffing to meet a 25% increase in the A&E attendance, but also maternity leave posts that are not being filled.

“Taoiseach, I'm asking you, will you and the Minister for Health reach out to the HSE please to come to the table on this meaningfully, to bring this to a resolution?”

The Taoiseach replied that “there are established industrial relations machinery to deal with disputes, be they local disputes in particular hospitals or nationally. And I would encourage all involved to refer this to the industrial relations process so that the issues can be addressed.”

Deputy Farrelly said he was glad the Taoiseach had called on both sides to engage in the industrial relations process.

“Any effort and engagement to bring about a fast resolution of this dispute is to be welcomed.

“In particular the HSE will need to meaningfully acknowledge the concerns of the hardworking nursing staff at the hospital and try to make up the shortfall in staff for the sake of those who work there and also those who visit the hospital for treatment,” Deputy Farrelly said.

“Naas General Hospital serves a very fast growing population, as reflected in the 25% increase in the A&E attendance and, as is the case with all other public services in Kildare, its staffing levels and facilities must be significantly enhanced to meet that challenge.”

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