Nurses working to rule in the west's casualty departments met the Minister of State for Health and Children, Dr Tom Moffatt, in Castlebar, Co Mayo, yesterday before he opened the €48 million second phase of Mayo General Hospital.
Representatives from the Irish Nurses' Organisation (INO) and SIPTU presented the Minister of State with a submission, which they have also given to the Western Health Board.
It outlines the pressures and stresses faced in casualty wards, which is the basis for the current industrial action.
The INO's industrial relations officer, Ms Noreen Muldoon, described the meeting as "amicable".
She said that the Minister of State had been very receptive. The situation in Mayo General's casualty department was outlined, she said.
"Dr Moffatt listened and didn't make any promises, but we didn't expect him to," Ms Muldoon said.
The Western Health Board said that the four acute hospitals in its region were still coping with the work-to-rule in casualty wards, in the approach to a busy bank-holiday weekend.
All admissions for elective surgery at the west's largest acute hospital, University College Hospital, Galway (UCHG), continue to be suspended until further notice. This is to free beds for casualty admissions, a health board spokeswoman said.
The €48 million second phase at Mayo General is evidence of the Government's commitment to delivering healthcare to the people of the west, Dr Moffatt said yesterday at the official opening.
The second phase includes a new accident and emergency department, a medical assessment unit, geriatric assessment unit, obstetric and delivery suite, CT scanning facilities, new helicopter landing facility, improved mortuary and post-mortem room, and a new information technology system.
The first phase of development was completed at a cost of €14 million and includes an outpatients' department, radiology department, four operating theatres, an intensive care unit and upgraded ward accommodation.
The Minister of State referred to extra demands on the healthcare system and on the 800 staff at Mayo General. He said: "This Government is well aware that further improvements need to be made. Today's event is clear evidence that we are making progress.
"I can assure you that this Government is committed to the provision of quality healthcare for the people of the west of Ireland."
