Strike to cause ‘widespread’ disruptions to hospitals in Laois
There will be significant disruptions to hospital services in Laois if the planned public sector strike goes ahead this Wednesday, October 14.
Over 300,000 civil servants, teachers, doctors and nurses will go on strike on Wednesday with a 24-hour work stoppage.
The strike is part of the stand-off between the Government and unions over a new public service pay deal. The previous pay deal which was agreed upon in 2024 expired in June.
Negotiations took place over the summer between the Government and the public service committee, however they failed to reach agreement. Public service trade unions then decided to vote for industrial action.
Thousands of public sector workers began a work-to-rule on Wednesday, September 30. This meant that these staff worked strictly to their contracts and could not take on any work outside of their grade or usual responsibilities.
Last Monday, October 5, teachers joined the work-to-rule.
If the strike goes ahead this Wednesday, there will be widespread disruptions across Laois, including cancellations of hospital appointments.
The HSE Dublin and Midlands warned that the strike will cause “significant and widespread” disruptions to many of its services.
The HSE is currently planning for the cancellation of all non-urgent healthcare services across hospitals and community settings on Wednesday.
The HSE Dublin and Midlands confirmed that this includes routine hospital procedures, outpatient appointments, community based services such as day services, clinics in primary care services and other scheduled care services.
HSE administrative services will also be impacted by this work stoppage on Wednesday.
The HSE said healthcare teams have now begun to contact affected patients directly and all appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Emergency departments and other critical, time-sensitive healthcare services, such as urgent cancer treatment and dialysis, will continue.
Ambulance services will also be running, although the HSE warned services will be curtailed.
GPs, GP out-of-hours and pharmacists will also remain available in the community.
“The HSE Dublin and Midlands Health Region regrets the inconvenience caused to patients and their families and is grateful for people’s patience and understanding during this time,” the statement from the HSE said.
Another strike is planned for next Wednesday, October 21, if the Government fails to reach agreement with the unions.
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