SIPTU’s National Nursing Council is to ballot its members on strike action because of "stressful and intolerable" working conditions.
SIPTU officer Mr Oliver McDonagh who represents nurses said he will be recommending industrial action at a meeting with members over the coming days. He has also called on the Minister for Health and Children Mr Martin to take "emergency steps to deal with the chaos that looms in hospitals."
"Over the last number of years, many initiatives have been promised to deal with the crisis which exists in A&E units," Mr McDonagh said, "but so far nothing constructive has happened to alleviate the situation. Nurses continue to work in what can only be described as a ‘war zone’ type atmosphere."
Mr McDonagh added: "as long as nurses continue to report for duty in these circumstances then nothing will change."