'We can't go on like this' - nurses protest at conditions

(stock photo)

Eilish O'Regan

Nurses and midwives have begun a series of protests about overcrowding and lack of staff at hospitals across the country.

The first lunchtime protest took place at University Hospital Galway yesterday and it will be followed by similar act- ions in University Hospital Limerick and Cork University Hospital.

Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said staff were being forced to apologise for the failings of the HSE.

"Nurses and midwives are constantly apologising to patients for the conditions in the health service.

"Thousands are trapped on trolleys every week, and things will only get worse as winter bites.

"Yet the HSE still has no plans to recruit extra staff or cut back services to cope with the demand. This could lead to unplanned cancellations of elective appointments.

"We can't go on like this. It's time for the HSE to be honest with the public."