Unions ballot for industrial action against A&E closure in Midwest

national | miscellaneous | news report

Friday April 03, 2009 10:21

by CRPHS, Limerick - Campaign for a Real Public Health Service

limerickhealth at gmail dot com

0868064801

For United Action to Stop the Cuts

The Campaign for a Real Public Health Service (CRPHS) welcomes the decision by the health unions in the Mid-west to pull out of discussions with the HSE and ballot for industrial action about the government's insane and dangerous plans to downgrade Ennis and Nenagh hospitals.

The HSE's plans will mean tens of thousands more patients will be crammed into the already overcrowded regional hospital in Limerick. It can- not, and will not cope. There were 21 patients on trolley's there yesterday - these plans will see that number sore till, like happened in Drogheda, the A&E has to close its doors to new patients.

It is very positive to see the unions take a stand on this. They should now come out clearly and condemn the the HSE's centralisation plans themselves, as well as the lack of time for con- sultation which they have highlighted. A clear statement should be sent that no union member or health worker will cooperate with this, or any other, attack on our public health service. The unions have the power to stop these plans dead, if they so wish.

Our campaign would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to the unions, for joint campaign work against these cuts. Already thousands have come onto the streets protests in the Mid west, including on organised by the CRPHS last October. By uniting health workers, patients, community groups and the general public in a campaign to defend our A&Es, we can force the government to back down.

This efffects all workers in the Mid-west, not just health workers. Thats why all unions should come out and state their opposition to the cuts, organise protests, rallies and industrial action if neccesary to stop the plans, and show the our opposition to the attacks on the health service, and health staff in general.

CRPHS notice put into the hospitals 0.03 Mb

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Latest Press Release

by CRPHS, Limerick

Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:41

Health Campaigners Call for Yes Vote in Union Strike Ballot

The Campaign for a Real Public Health Service welcomes the ballot of health workers in the mid west for industrial action on the issues connected with the HSE's plans to centralise A&E services to Limerick's regional hospital. The campaigners are calling for a yes vote.

Limerick spokesperson, Cian Prendiville, said "The health unions should organise a day of protest, including industrial action by their members. This could be coordinated with the trades councils, which represents all the unions of the region, health campaigns and community groups. A day of protest in opposition to the closure of Ennis & Nenagh A&Es, the overcrowding at Limerick's regional and the attacks on the health service more generally could get huge support throughout the mid west. Already thousands have protested throughout the area. We extend our invitation to the health unions for joint work on this, to show unity of staff, patients and campaigners in defence of our public health service."

Leaflet

Fri Apr 03, 2009 13:52

New leaflet, calling for a united, public day of protest against the health cuts to cooincide with industrial action

PDF 0.03 Mb

Union leaders back down from defending mid-west A&Es

Mon Apr 06, 2009 02:48

Latest press release, available in full at the link below:

- Union leaders turning a blind eye to health cuts
- HSE plans will cause Limerick's Regional hospital to fail
- Union member & health workers should campaign to make the leaders fight to defend their members and patients

The Limerick branch of the Campaign for a Real Public Health Service has expressed it's disappointment with the agreement of the INO and SIPTU health branch with the HSE not oppose the closure of Ennis & Nenagh casualty and acute surgery department's.

Local spokesperson for the CRPHS, Cian Prendiville, said the decision was a "mistake", accusing the union leaders of "turning a blind eye" to health cuts, and encouraged health workers to "pressurise their union 'leaders' to reverse this decision, and launch a campaign in defence of their members, patients and the health service more generally."

Further headings:
- Why we oppose the HSE plan
- Union leaders 'turning a blind eye' to health cuts

Also of interest is the attached PDF of the GPs' of the region's response to the cuts, outlining their opposition.

PDF of Local GPs' Condemnation of the Cuts 0.02 Mb

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Unions ballot for industrial action against A&E closure in Midwest

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