Like dozens of expectant mothers in Cork this weekend, Fiona Raissa, from Upper Aghada, east Cork, is growing increasingly concerned about what faces her when she goes into labour, amid ongoing uncertainty about the opening of the new Cork University Maternity Hospital.
Fiona (31) and her husband, Farad (32), already have one young girl, Amira (21 months). Although Fiona isn't due until April 15th, she's closely watching the dispute between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) over staffing levels at the hospital."I know I'm not due for another three weeks but I'm wondering what's going to happen," she says.
While she can understand the midwives' concerns, Fiona is concerned that the INO may have another industrial relations agenda. She also wonders how the HSE has so far failed to agree a deal. "I would hate to be having my first baby in Cork this weekend - it's stressful enough without having to worry about where you're supposed to go and what's going to happen you and your baby," she says. ... -
