Backing for nurses protest in Drogheda

Commenting on the protest this week by members of the Irish Nurses Organisation in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan/ Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said he supported the INO's stance and called for an injection of resources to "reduce the pressure on the Out Patients Department, especially for orthopaedic patients".

Beginning this week nurses at the Drogheda Hospital have been wearing badges declaring 'Working Under Protest' to highlight the pressure on patients and staff.

Deputy Ó Caoláin said:

"We now have nurses working under protest in the Out Patients Department of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. They report that the pressure of work has become almost intolerable, with clinics running hours over their scheduled times due to the volume of patients presenting. All orthopaedic care in the North East region, with the exception of elective clinics in Navan, Cavan and Monaghan, is now based in Drogheda and the nurses report a very significant increase in patient numbers.

"The Executive of the North Eastern Health Board and the Minister for Health and Children Micheál Martin should review the situation at Drogheda without delay and ensure that the necessary resources are made available for best patient care, to cut waiting times and to provide proper working conditions for staff."