Strike averted at mullingar hospital

Industrial action which was due to take place at Mullingar Hospital (today) Wednesday has been called off after a HSE commitment to hire 35 new nursing and midwifery staff at the hospital.

Nurses union the INMO had threatened strike action as it said understaffing and overcrowding had made the hospital unsafe for patients and staff.

'The HSE have agreed to fill the 35 posts this year, in a staggered manner,' Derek Reilly of the INMO told the Westmeath Examiner this morning.

The HSE say they will hire 10 A&E nurses in May, 10 midwives in June, five in July, five in Sepetember and five in October Mr Reilly explained.

'If this is implemented it will be very good news for Mullingar Hospital.'

Despite the agreement, Mr Reilly is remaining cautious.

'I am a bit worried and hope that the HSE will stick to their agreement,' he said.