This article is from page 14 of the 2013-10-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
AS MANY as 325 procedures, including surgeries and out patient appointments were cancelled in the region’s hospitals last week as a result of industrial action by junior doctors.
The union representing doctors and the HSE are to begin talks today (Tuesday) with a view to avoiding further strike action.
The six hospitals that make up the University of Limerick Hospitals Group, including Ennis Hospital, the University Hospital Limerick and the University Maternity Hospital Limerick all cancelled operations, clinics and out patient appointments on Tuesday last. The HSE would not provide a breakdown of how many patients from each hospital were affected. It said however that all patients affected would have their appointments rescheduled.
Urgent care for areas such as oncology, dialysis and emergency is was provided and the Emergency Department in Dooradoyle remained open as did the local injuries units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s, according to a HSE spokesperson.
Discussions between the Irish Medical Organisation, the union representing the doctors who are protesting about long working hours, and the HSE were suspended on Thursday but are to continue today, Tuesday, with a view to avoiding any further strikes in the country’s hospitals.
In a statement the IMO said, “Before the talks resume both sides will continue to work together on verifying the position of individual hospitals in relation to the number of hours being worked by NCHDs.”
It added that “progress has been made and the IMO will continue to engage in the process next week”.