Appeal for efforts to halt industrial action at Mayo hospital

The gravity of looming industrial action at Mayo University Hospital emergency department must be taken seriously by the HSE and government to avoid further risk to patients and staff.

That's according to Mayo Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh.

Speaking after the INMO served notice of industrial action on HSE management due to start on November 3, Deputy Conway-Walsh said: “The government must use this notice time to avert industrial action.

"Safe staffing levels and a safe workplace is paramount for both the safety of patients and staff.

"The intolerable situation which has been allowed to develop and continue at Mayo University Hospital ED is certainly not the fault of the hard-working staff who work tirelessly in precarious conditions day in day out.

“I fully support the INMO members attempts to fix this ongoing problem.

"I urge the HSE to use the correct up-to-date data and information to ensure safe staffing levels are implemented immediately and to engage in a genuine resolution dialogue with the INMO. It is not too late to address the chronic understaffing.

“People in Mayo deserve an emergency department that they can feel safe attending.

"Dedicated hardworking staff deserve a safe workplace where they can do what they have been trained to do – give the best care possible to sick patients.

"How can they do this when the corridor is lined with trolleys every night and there is hardly room to move never mind treat patients.

"Worn out nurses run from one sick patient to another trying to keep them safe while ambulances back up outside the door, sometimes for hours. It cannot be allowed to continue. Now is the time to shout stop.”