Nursing unions and health board officials will this afternoon resume talks with a Labour Relations Commission officer in a bid to avert industrial action at St Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.
Union sources said industrial action is now the more likely outcome because of the distance that exists between the two sides. Mr Brian McGinn, LRC officer, is chairing the talks.
The dispute centres around concerns by the hospital’s 150 nursing staff about overcrowding that has resulted in beds being placed in corridors.
If no agreement is reached today a work-to-rule policy will be put in place by INO- and SIPTU-represented nurses tomorrow at 8 a.m. The action is due to run until the issue is resolved.
Union officials stressed that although new admissions might be affected, care to existing patient would not be compromised.
In a statement yesterday, the South Eastern Health Board said it "recognises the difficulties experienced by staff, patients and relatives due to the overcrowding arising from increased medical referrals and admissions and while building work is in progress in the hospital".
Up to 23 more beds will result from the £30 million building programme that is due to be completed in 18 months.
The hospital has decided that all elective admissions will cease from tomorrow and has asked GPs referring patients to seek admissions to other hospitals. Talks between the two sides will resume after lunch this afternoon.
