Psychiatric nurses to step up dispute
Unions representing psychiatric nurses are expected to announce an escalation of action in their bitter row with health chiefs today.
The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) and Siptu, representing some 8,000 nurses, will meet at Liberty Hall at 1pm this afternoon to discuss their next step.
An overtime ban by the PNA has resulted in the closure of beds in Dublin, while hostels and day services have being forced to shut their doors.
The dispute centres on a compensation scheme for staff who are attacked on the job, with unions claiming the package proposed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) devalues psychiatric nurses.
PNA general secretary Des Kavanagh warned they are prepared to force management into a crisis situation by withdrawing services.
He also claimed the dispute could turn into a "long and dirty battle".
Since Thursday, PNA and Siptu members have worked rostered hours only. Bans have also been put on place on assisting admissions, accompanying patients to Tribunals, and attendance at non-essential meetings.
Schizophrenia Ireland and Mental Health Ireland both expressed concern about the ongoing dispute and have urged a speedy end.
Meanwhile Health Minister Mary Harney has been urged to intervene in the row by the Labour Party, who said patients will suffer unless the matter is resolved.
