Nurses' action in midwest enters second day

A number of elective patients have had their procedures deferred as nurses at the three main midwest hospitals take industrial…

A number of elective patients have had their procedures deferred as nurses at the three main midwest hospitals take industrial action for a second day.

More than 70 nurses started a work-to-rule yesterday in pursuit of a claim for increased pay for call-out duties.

The Limerick Regional, Ennis General and Nenagh general hospitals are affected. A series of one-hour pickets were organised yesterday.

Nurses are refusing to perform clerical, administrative or portering duties as part of the work-to-rule.

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The Mid Western Health Board said four procedures were cancelled at Nenagh Hospital.

The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) says the current call-out rate is €17.81 per hour. According to the INO, this is outdated and it is looking for an increase to €76 per hour.