Labour Court recommends compensation for nurses affected by Sacred Heart Hospital’s “Green Nights” changes

The Labour Court recommended that Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon, continue its post-April 2009 night-break arrangements and compensate nurses who had worked under its “Green Nights” system. The recommendation was signed on 28 February 2011. The Irish Nurses' & Midwives' Organisation brought the dispute on behalf of 48 nurses after the hospital withdrew paid breaks during night shifts and time off in lieu during day work. The union sought restoration and compensation, citing staffing and safety concerns. HSE West, representing management, said night staffing allowed breaks and the arrangement reduced staff availability during the day. The Court relied on assurances that nurses could take a one-hour break away from the workplace and that the arrangements in place since April 2009 did not breach HIQA standards or fire regulations. It recommended compensation for each affected nurse equal to one-and-a-half times their annual loss, calculated over the 12 months before the practice ceased, payable within six weeks.