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Around 250 nurses
stopped work at Letterkenny Hospital yesterday for
two hours in pursuit of more pay and a shorter
working week.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed that a
total of 38 procedures and appointments had to be
cancelled in advance of the work stoppage for
clinical reasons. A spokesperson said the
appointments would be rescheduled as soon as
possible.
Nurses at the hospital and those working in
Donegal's mental health service staged the protest
between 2pm and 4pm as part of the INO and PNA's
industrial action.
Backed by their unions, they are demanding increased
pay and a 35-hour working week.
A local INO spokesperson said some nurses were left
on wards to reduce the impact of their action on
patient care while essential and emergency cases
were covered.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Mary Harney reissued the
warning that nurses' pay would be docked for the
hours they picketed.
She said they could not expect full pay if they did
not work their full hours.
The stoppage in Letterkenny yesterday followed the
INO's decision last week to escalate their campaign
with a series of two and three-hour stoppages. The
stoppages continue today and Friday.
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