Meals at the 550 bed Cork, University Hospital were beings served by management yesterday following an unofficial strike by 100 porters and caterers.
The staff refused to work after a porter on night duty was suspended because he failed to carry out what the Southern Health Board described as a legitimate instruction.
The board said it was anxious to secure a return to work in the interests of patient care as soon as possible. "The Southern Health Board is available to discuss this issue in accordance with normal industrial relations practice. In the meantime, emergency services are being maintained by the board."