Healthcare Unions Holding Lunchtime Protests Amid Dispute With Healthcare Bosses Over Staffing

Trade unions representing workers in the public health service are set to stage a series of lunchtime protests starting on Thursday

The protests – which are being staged at Cork University Hospital, the HSE Headquarters at Dr Steevens’ Hospital in Dublin and St. Michael's Hospital in Dún Laoghaire come amid the ongoing dispute between unions, the health service and Department of Health due to staffing shortages.

Trade unions including the INMO, Fórsa and SIPTU have blasted recruitment restrictions in health divisions which they say is compromising patient services and safety, which they add is under enormous strain.

The HSE’s pay and numbers strategy report in July revealed thousands of frontline positions have effectively abolished, impacting upon community health services, mental health and services to older people.

Unions said this is happening while forcing hospitals and community services to spend more on expensive agency staff to fill gaps caused by vacancies, while being spendthrift with public monies on external management consultants.

Thousands of posts remain unfilled across the public service impacting upon clinical need argue unions. 

Albert Murphy, INMO Director of Industrial Relations and ICTU Healthcare union chairperson expressed his frustrations:

“Despite the employer’s clear obligations, for consultation and engagement under the terms of the national agreement, unions are no closer to any form of meaningful engagement.

“The evidence is very clear, when our health services are not staffed correctly, patient safety suffers.

“The HSE and Department of Health have admitted that the moratorium allowed them to stand still financially but as unions representing those on the frontline, we know that there has been an enormous human cost in terms of staff morale and clinical risk.”

Ashley Connolly is Head of Health and Welfare with Fórsa. She said wasted spending is continue to hamper clinical health needs:

“Dysfunctional spending patterns continue to be a problem for the HSE, which is diverting funds to expensive agency and overtime costs, in addition to the profligate spending on external management consultants.

“Forsa members are protesting today and will be balloting for action because they are fighting to protect services, fighting to improve them, and determined that the HSE and Department of Health will listen.”

Damian Ginley, Sector Organiser with Siptu’s Health Division added his view to the dysfunction as outlined by previous policy as per the HSE report this year.

“As a policy, it does not take account of the need to expand services to provide quality care, allow for the rollout of Sláintecare or our nation’s population growth.

“SIPTU members are protesting today as they are providing vital services; and know the negative impact the policy is having on patients and service users.”