Psychiatric nurses to hold ballot on industrial action
Ireland's psychiatric nurses are to be balloted on industrial action over the growing numbers of assaults by patients.
The decision to hold the ballot was taken by delegates at the annual conference of the Psychiatric Nurses Association last night.
The association says the number of assaults on its members has increased by almost 50% in recent years and has accused the Department of Health of ignoring its responsibility to ensure the safety of staff.
The Health Service Executive has expressed disappointment with the decision to hold a strike ballot, claiming it has introduced measures in an effort to address the PNA's concerns.
"Unfortunately, it's not possible to eliminate the risk entirely, but certainly it's our desire to reduce that risk to an absolute minimum," spokesman Martin Rogan said.
