UHG Emergency Department Staff Vote for Urgent Industrial Action

UPDATE: Staff at the UHG Emergency Department have initiated a ballot for industrial action due to dangerously unsafe conditions and overwhelming workloads. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) confirmed this urgent step today, emphasizing that the situation has become untenable.

Since July 2023, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has allegedly disregarded critical staffing shortages in the emergency department, leading to a perilous environment for both patients and healthcare workers. The INMO highlights a troubling combination of inadequate staff retention, ineffective recruitment campaigns, and numerous unfilled positions, which have intensified the crisis.

Mary Fogarty, Assistant Director of Industrial Relations at INMO, stated, “Patient safety is being put at risk.” The union’s decision comes amid growing concerns over the ability of the UHG Emergency Department to provide safe, timely care amid increasing patient demands.

This developing situation poses significant risks to public health in Galway, where emergency services are already strained. The INMO’s ballot serves as a crucial warning that immediate action is needed to rectify staffing issues before a serious incident occurs.

As the ballot progresses, healthcare professionals and community members are urged to pay attention to the developments. The INMO is advocating for swift responses from the HSE to ensure adequate staffing and safe working conditions.

The outcome of this ballot could lead to significant disruptions in emergency services, impacting countless patients who rely on timely care. Stakeholders and residents are encouraged to stay informed as this situation unfolds, with potential implications for healthcare across the region.

Stay tuned for updates as the INMO continues to address these urgent concerns and demand action from health authorities. Your safety and care depend on it.