Psychiatric nurses at University College Hospital Galway  (UCHG) have today (Tuesday) voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action in the ongoing dispute over staffing levels at the 45 bed acute psychiatric unit at the hospital.  The nurses , all  members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA),   voted  83% to 17% in favour of action.

Speaking following the vote, PNA General Secretary, Des Kavanagh said the result reflected the anger of nurses who have been left to provide services without proper staffing resulting in an unsafe environment for both staff and patients.

‘Today's result is a clear message to management  that they have one final opportunity to deliver on a firm commitment  made in the last few days to increase the staff compliment in this unit as quickly as possible.  Failing that the PNA now has a mandate to commence industrial action to ensure that services are delivered with proper staffing in place and in a manner that ensures the safety of both the staff and patients.'

Media Contact: Des Kavanagh, Gen Sec 0872313809/Derek Cunningham 0862430535

Bloomfield Hospital is a service of Bloomfield Health Services and is an independent not for profit 114 bed Mental Health Teaching Hospital affiliated with Trinity College Dublin and is registered as an approved centre with the Mental Health Commission . It is located on Stocking Lane, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. The hospital is Ireland's foremost specialist provider of mental health treatment of adults, providing services for persons with Serious and Enduring Mental Health disorders and complex Mental Health issues associated with Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Dementia.

We are seeking applications for the position of Staff Nurse (RPNs) for full and part time positions.

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Dear Members,

In the High Court today 26^th May Mr Justice Peart granted leave to the PNA to challenge the New Sick Pay Scheme Regulations introduced by Minister Howlin, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform by judicial review.  The case is listed for July 15^th next.

Our legal team sought an order quashing the Public Service management (Sick Leave) regulation 2014 which halved the sick pay entitlement of public servants including psychiatric and Intellectual Disability nurses with effect from 1^st April 2014. In its submission to the Court, the PNA argues that no reason has been provided for the exclusion of certain groups such as Central Bank staff from the new rules, while psychiatric nurses who work in situations of "extreme stress and significant hazard" are included.

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CPl Healthcare is the exclusive agency partner to the HSE West for General Nurses, Psychiatric Nurses and Midwives. They are Ireland’s number 1 healthcare recruitment specialists who have dedicated specialist nursing recruitment advisors with detailed knowledge of the Irish Nursing sector.

Currently Cpl Healthcare are hiring Registered Psychiatric Nurses in the Galway area for agency positions.

We pay all shifts on a weekly basis and agency shifts are a great way to save some additional cash for your summer holidays.

Nursing Job Requirements:

• Recognised Third Level Nursing qualification
• Full An Bord Altranais registration
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Excellent communication skills

For more information call Sarah Hurley at Cpl Healthcare on 01 482 5452 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

RTE This Week interview with Des Kavanagh General Secretary of Psychiatric Nurses Association who defends his claim that patients are not receiving adequate care.

Click on link below.

Des Kavanagh This Week interview