St Vincent's Psychiatric Hospital in Fairview, Dublin, faces the threat of serious disruption from next Wednesday, writes Padraig Yeates, Industry and Employment Corre- spondent. More than 100 nursing staff have served strike notice because of attacks on patients, thefts and damage to cars by intruders.
A SIPTU official, Mr Mick Halpenny, who represents the majority of nursing staff, said a half-day strike will take place on Wednesday and will escalate if union concerns are not addressed.
He said management has adopted "a blase approach to the problem, even after a patient was seriously assaulted by an intruder three months ago".
The unions want 24-hour security cover and an independent review of security procedures at the hospital, which is located off Richmond Road.