GALWAY HOSPITALS HIT BY BED AND UNIT CLOSURES

Date Published: 12-Feb-2008

Hospitals in Galway are being hit by bed and unit closures amid a storm of controversy.Talks are to take place at the Labour Relations Commission this week in relation to some nurses at St. Brigid's hospital in Ballinasloe being suspended without pay.The nurses at the acute admissions therapy unit at St. Brigid's were told last week that they would be re-deployed to other areas of the hospital.This was due to the fact that the HSE closed down the two therapy units and aims to provide therapy services in the wards.Noreen Kenny has worked as a nurse at St. Brigid's hospital for 34 years and turned up for work today in the acute admissions unit.She and another colleague have been suspended without pay because they have not abided by management directives to be re-assigned.A spokesperson for the Health Service Executive has confirmed to Galway Bay Fm News that the matter has been referred to the LRC.Meanwhile, four beds have been closed at St. Pious ward at University Hospital Galway.The HSE says the temporary bed closures are due to staffing issues.The beds will be closed until additional nursing staff are recruited.