Psychiatric nurses at St Loman's hospital in Dublin last night decided to defer strike action to give management time to bring staffing numbers up to agreed levels. However, they will continue their work to rule, which is affecting some community care services. If last week's strike had resumed, it could have seriously disrupted psychiatric services throughout west Dublin.
Nurses at another Dublin psychiatric hospital, St Vincent's in Fairview, decided earlier yesterday to press ahead with a half-day stoppage this morning. Their protest is over lack of security in the hospital and grounds.
SIPTU official Mr Jim Mullery said yesterday that action was being taken at St Vincent's because of the increasing number of incidents during the past year, involving intruders, damage to staff cars and fear of assault. Strike action was deferred last month after it had been agreed that the Garda Crime Prevention Unit would carry out a security audit of the hospital. However, this had not taken place due to pressure of work on the unit.
The hospital sought a further deferral but Mr Mullery said members felt they had to take action "to highlight the increasing risks they are working under and ensure there is effective action before a major tragedy occurs".
Emergency services will be maintained at St Vincent's during today's stoppage. Emergency services will also be maintained at St Loman's if necessary.