Unions representing psychiatric nurses have given the Health Service Executive notice that their members will escalate action in their dispute over compensation from Monday, if no progress is made.
The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) and Siptu, representing some 8,000 nurses, will meet at Liberty Hall this afternoon to discuss their next step.
An overtime ban by the PNA has resulted in the closure of beds in Dublin while hostels and day services have being forced to close.
The dispute centres on a compensation scheme for staff who are attacked on the job with unions claiming the package proposed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) devalues psychiatric nurses.
The unions have confirmed they are are planning to withdraw co-operation in the redeployment of nurses from community-based services to psychiatric and general hospitals, a move that will affect all Dublin's major acute hospitals, except Beaumont.
PNA General Secretary Des Kavanagh warned the impact of the action would be huge. "We have noted the request by advocacy groups to take a step back in the interests of patients and, as a gesture of goodwill, we are giving a week's notice of our action," he said.
"This creates an opportunity for resolution of the dispute if the HSE wishes to avail of it."
PNA and Siptu members have worked rostered hours only since last week. Bans have also been put on place on assisting admissions, accompanying patients to tribunals and attendance at non-essential meetings.
Unions will also review the impact of the overtime ban on areas not yet seriously affected when they meet on Monday.
Schizophrenia Ireland and Mental Health Ireland both expressed concern about the ongoing dispute and have urged a speedy end.
Labour Party spokeswoman on health Jan O'Sullivan urged Minister for Health Mary Harney to intervene and seek a solution to the overtime ban.