THE Fitness to Practise Committee of An Bord Altranais is investigating allegations of misconduct against 17 nurses at Bantry General Hospital, the Southern Health Board has confirmed.
According to An Bord Altranais, the nursing board, a statutory embargo prevents the disclosure of any information concerning the case, but it is understood that difficulties had arisen between the former hospital matron, Ms Marie Houlihan, and the 17 nurses.
The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) has called for a speedy conclusion to the investigation because of the distress being suffered by the staff. It has said the nurses have no case to answer.
It is understood that nine of the nurses are INO members, while the remainder are in SIPTU.
Confirming that an investigation was under way, the Southern Health Board said it had nothing further to add. The investigation was a matter for An Bord Altranais.
The INO said yesterday that, as far as it was concerned, the allegations were of a "petty" nature, but had nevertheless distressed the nurses. A spokeswoman for the organisation said a meeting had been sought with the Board over the allegations and to seek a vote of confidence in the nurses concerned.
"We are extremely anxious that this matter be laid to rest as quickly as possible," she added.
The nurses received notification earlier this month from An Bord Altranais, advising them that complaints had been received alleging misconduct.