Psychiatric nurses to begin industrial action on Thursday

Psychiatric Nurses in Laois and Offaly will begin a work to rule on Thursday, May 26.  

The industrial action was agreed at a general meeting of members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association(PNA) in Tullamore last night.

They confirmed the timetable for industrial action which is being taken in response to what they say is understaffing of mental health services in the region which has left 40 of 155 WTE (Whole Time Equivalent) posts vacant.

The meeting heard that there has been no engagement from the HSE with PNA since the announcement of the ballot result to proceed with industrial action, up to and including strike action.

PNA Regional Representative Tracey Quigley, said the industrial action will commence with a work to rule.

She said “nurses are disappointed with the lack of response by the HSE to address the recruitment and retention of staff issues in the Laois Offaly region and are determined that the current understaffing in mental health services cannot continue.”