The planned opening of the new Cork University Maternity Hospital on Saturday remained uncertain last night after the Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) confirmed it is to ballot its members on the move to the hospital amid concerns over staffing levels.
Patsy Doyle of the INO said her union would be balloting its members over the next 36 hours after obtaining clarification from the Labour Court that its recommendation that the hospital be staffed by 375 midwives and nurses included some student midwives. The INO will be advising its members to remain at the existing maternity hospitals if the vote is rejected, as they have serious concerns about safe staffing levels at the new facility.
The court recommendation was in line with the staffing levels proposed by the Health Service Executive. The INO had written to HSE South seeking a breakdown of the 375 nursing staff with which it proposes to operate the new 144-bed hospital. The HSE says the 64 student midwives included in the 375 staff were qualified general nurses.