Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) in the Maternity Unit, the Labour Ward and Maternity dept of Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar will stage a lunchtime protest at the hospital tomorrow (Tues), from 1.00 – 2.00p.m.

A planned protest last Monday was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

Tomorrow’s action will not impact on services at the hospital.

The INMO members have unanimously balloted in favour of industrial action, up to and including a full withdrawal of labour, due to staff shortages.   A work to rule has been postponed pending a hearing at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on January 19th.

 Ann Burke. INMO Industrial Relations Officer, told Midwest News today that the action is being taken in pursuit of members claims for the Maternity Ward, Labour Ward and Maternity Outpatient Department of Mayo University Hospital to deal comprehensively with the understaffing, lack of key specialist roles and lack of robust governance structures within the Department.