Ambulance staff at University College Hospital, Galway, took unofficial industrial action for two hours yesterday to protest at under-resourcing of the service and the outsourcing of work to private operators by the HSE West.
Colm Keaveney, of Siptu in Galway, said while the union did not condone unofficial action, squandering of finances should not take place in any modern health service. The HSE West were spending over €1 million a year on private ambulances.
The action at the hospital ambulance station, which took place from 10.30am to 12.30pm, coincided with a visit by Health Minister Mary Harney, who was officially opening a radiotherapy department.
The chief ambulance officer was assured that emergency medical technicians would cover emergency calls.
Staff are also angry at the failure of the HSE to roll out regional rural services, particularly in Tuam, which is an ambulance blackspot.
Mr Keaveney said he believed yesterday's action was a first step in escalating actions this summer.
A spokesperson for HSE West said the action was to be regretted. However, management would continue to work with the union on outstanding issues.
