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SIPTU calls for publication of Commission on Nursing Report

Date Released: 21 Apr 2009

The SIPTU Nursing Convention in Sligo has called for publication of the Commission on Nursing Hours Report which deals with the implementation of a shorter week for nurses. Addressing the Convention today, Professor Tom Collins, Chairperson of the Commission on Nursing Hours, said members of the profession that he and his colleagues had met while compiling the Report, met felt marginalised and frustrated.

Responding to Professor Collins’s presentation, SIPTU’s National Nursing Official, Louise O’Reilly said she was not surprised at his comments.  “Our members often feel that their views are disregarded by health employers”.

Professor Collins outlined to the 180 SIPTU delegates the approach taken by the Commission.  He also spoke about the national and international evidence that had been compiled and considered by the Commission.  Ms. O’Reilly welcomed the conclusion of the work of the Commission and called on the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, to publish the report without delay.

“There is no justification for nurses and midwives to be the only profession in the health service who do not enjoy a 35 hour week”, she said. She reminded the Minister that there were still nurses who have not yet moved from a 39 hour week to a 37.5 hour week as agreed, and that this objective must be prioritised.

“From what Professor Collins outlined to us today there will be much to consider when his report is finally published.  The implementation of the findings must represent a real improvement for our nurse and midwife members.

“It is understood that the report will contain findings which relate to the replacement of existing nursing hours with less expensive options.  This can be done in a variety of ways but SIPTU wants to make it clear that, however the findings are implemented, there must be a clear and tangible benefit to our nurse and midwife members, as well as those entering the professions into the future and the patients.”





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