Naas General Hospital Nurses Begin Industrial Action

Nurses at Naas General Hospital, members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), have commenced industrial action, including a 'work-to-rule' and lunchtime protests, over what they describe as unacceptable and unsafe staffing levels. The INMO asserts that the Republic of Ireland===Health Service Executive (HSE) has failed to take substantive action to increase staffing, fill maternity-leave vacancies, and meet the rising demand in the Emergency Department. Bernadette Stenson and Phil Ní Sheaghdha of the INMO have voiced concerns about immense pressure on nurses and the HSE's 'employment controls' contributing to the problem. The HSE regrets the action but states it has increased staff numbers at Naas General Hospital and remains open to constructive engagement, while acknowledging potential patient delays.