UHG Emergency Department Staff Vote for Industrial Action Over Safety

Staff at the University Hospital Galway (UHG) have initiated a ballot for industrial action due to unsafe working conditions and excessive workloads in the Emergency Department (ED). The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) announced that this decision comes after ongoing concerns about staffing levels have been ignored by the Health Service Executive (HSE) since July 2023.

The INMO has raised alarms about the serious implications of understaffing in the ED. According to the union, a combination of inadequate staff retention, ineffective recruitment strategies, and numerous unfilled positions has created a precarious environment for both healthcare workers and patients.

Mary Fogarty, the Assistant Director of Industrial Relations at INMO, emphasized that patient safety is at risk due to these untenable conditions. She stated, “Without adequate staffing, our ability to provide safe care is compromised, putting both patients and staff in jeopardy.”

The ongoing crisis in the Emergency Department reflects broader challenges facing the healthcare sector in Ireland. As healthcare professionals advocate for improved working conditions, the INMO’s ballot will gauge the level of support among staff for potential industrial action.

If the vote results in a mandate for action, it could lead to significant disruptions in services at UHG, impacting patient care during a time when emergency departments across the country are already under considerable strain.

The situation at UHG is indicative of a growing concern within the Irish healthcare system regarding staffing shortages and the wellbeing of both patients and medical personnel. The INMO continues to urge the HSE to take immediate steps to address these critical issues to ensure a safer working environment.

As the ballot progresses, the INMO and UHG staff remain vigilant, hoping their voices will prompt necessary changes to alleviate the pressures faced in the Emergency Department.