WRC says it needs to hear from HSE over nurse who claims he was fired after raising care concerns

A nurse has lodged complaints with the Workplace Relations Commission alleging he was dismissed from his position after raising concerns about patient care at a residential centre in Co Westmeath. Luke Woods worked as an agency employee at the Rahugh Residence in Tyrellspass between September 2020 and April 2021, and has brought claims under the Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012 and the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. The HSE contests the dismissal claim, arguing Mr Woods was an agency worker and therefore not subject to its dismissal procedures. At a hearing, the HSE's HR officer stated Mr Woods remained employed and had averaged 147 hours monthly since starting. Mr Woods contended he was removed from the roster without explanation following a meeting on 13 April 2021 where he had raised concerns about missing documents. Adjudicator Janet Hughes directed the HSE to provide detailed evidence regarding the complaint investigation and the circumstances surrounding the April meeting. The hearing has been adjourned pending further submissions from the Health Service Executive.