37 thousand nurses have taken to the picket line for the third day today – in a row over pay and conditions.

Their dispute with the government shows no sign of ending, with both sides holding firm on the issue of pay.

They say addressing pay is the way to attract and keep nurses.
The government says pay increases for nurses are included in the public sector pay agreement and conceding to the nurses demands would cost €300 million.

Both sides last met at the Labour Court a week and a half ago. It decided they were too far apart to intervene.

A further 25 thousand medical appointments are cancelled and the HSE says it’s getting harder to reschedule as the industrial action continues.

University Hospital Waterford say that due to todays Industrial Action all Out Patient, Inpatient,
Day Surgery appointments are cancelled and the Injury Units are closed.

Routine community nursing; health centre and primary care centre nurse clinics, many public day centres; and all day hospitals services are closed.

All planned admissions, for respite and rehabilitation for the elderly and for people with intellectual disabilities are cancelled.

Management at UHW have requested that people only attend for emergency services if absolutely essential.

Appointments and procedures that have been cancelled will be rescheduled as soon as possible.