Labour Court recommends independent review of Beaumont Hospital ICU staffing

The Labour Court recommended an independent review of staffing levels in Beaumont Hospital’s intensive care unit, with nursing staff involved. The recommendation, arising from a dispute with the Irish Nurses Organisation, was signed on 17 September 2009. The union sought 18 additional nursing posts, arguing that staffing levels were below those at comparator hospitals and that shortages affected staff and the unit’s ability to respond to changing demands. The Court said it lacked the expertise and authority to recommend staffing levels directly. If the parties could not agree on a suitable reviewer, the Court said it would nominate one.