University Hospital Waterford says the ongoing picketing by cleaning staff is causing significant disruption to the operation of the hospital and impacting directly on patient care.
Members of Unite trade union, employed by Momentum Support Limited, are striking in a row over working conditions.
In a statement released this evening, management at UHW say patient care is paramount and the hospital will continue to work with key stakeholders to ensure minimal impact to patient care.
University Hospital Waterford is urging staff members not directly involved in the dispute to return to work and resume normal duties.
It adds that while the hospital is not party to this dispute, management wish to apologise for the disruption to services and the inconvenience to service users.
Talks aimed at resolving the dispute commenced in Waterford this afternoon.