Nursing staff at the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar, Co Westmeath have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action in protest at overcrowding and staffing levels.
The vote for industrial action was endorsed by 92 per cent of the nurses and midwives who took part in the ballot. It is expected the action will initially involve a work-to-rule.
Talks have been taking place between the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and the HSE. The INMO has said at least 60 additional nurses are needed in order to make the hospital safe.
According to the INMO, the number of patients on trolleys at the hospital has already reached record levels. The figures for December 2014 showed a 253 per cent increase on the previous year, the union has claimed. Along with extra nurses, the union is seeking the opening of additional step-down beds in St Joseph’s Hospital, Longford and St Mary’s Hospital, Mullingar.
Last month, INMO members highlighted their grievances by staging a lunchtime protest outside the hospital.
The ballot on industrial action was conducted by the union last week and notice is likely to be served immediately, with the action beginning by March 9th.
An INMO spokesman said it was hoped an agreement could still be hammered out and the industrial action avoided.