Leo Varadkar hoping last-ditch talks will avert nurses' strike

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has confirmed that last-ditch efforts are underway in an attempt to avert tomorrow's nurses strike in Emergency Departments.

Leo Varadkar hoping last-ditch talks will avert nurses' strike

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has confirmed that last-ditch efforts are underway in an attempt to avert tomorrow's nurses strike in Emergency Departments.

Rolling two-hour stoppages will take place at seven hospitals between 8am tomorrow morning and 4pm and further strikes are planned for the new year.

Last week ,talks at the Workplace Relations Commission aimed at brokering a deal broke up without agreement.

Minister Varadkar said that every effort is still being made to try and avert tomorrow's action.

"The strike is, of course, being called by the nurses' union, and ultimately they are the only ones who can call it off," he said.

"There have been contacts over the weekend, under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission, to see if a deal can be made, or something can be done to avert this, and that's still being worked on.

"But as things stand, the strike is going ahead."

Beaumont Hospital in Dublin has said that it has put a contingency plan in place to ensure the Emergency Department (ED) remains open throughout the duration of the industrial action should any emergency arise.

"Urgent elective procedures will proceed, with lists being reviewed in accordance with available capacity," a statement from the hospital read.

"Outpatient clinical appointments will also proceed as normal.

"A helpline number has been set up on (01) 809 3350 to assist patients with queries until 8pm this evening and from 7am tomorrow morning.

"While the ED will remain open, Beaumont Hospital would encourage patients to attend their GP, local Urgent Care Centre, Minor Injuries Unit or Out of Hours GP service where appropriate."

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