SIPTU says nursing recruitment and retention talks have reached an impasse

SIPTU nursing representatives have tonight (Monday, 6th February) said that talks with senior management at the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health, aimed at addressing a dispute concerning the recruitment of nurses and midwives, have reached an impasse. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Kevin Figgis, said: “The management presented the unions with a paper that falls way short of our members’ expectations regarding the protection of nursing and midwifery services into the future. The HSE must revisit its position if it is to successfully reach an outcome that is in the best interest of patients and staff alike.” SIPTU Organiser, John McCamley, said: “Tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday, 7th February), we will discuss the paper with our National Nursing Committee and decide what the best way forward is. The debate and discussion over the last eight days was robust and it is unfortunate that we have reached this impasse. We remain open to further discussions on providing solutions that can contribute to making our public health service an employer of choice for every nurse, midwife and health worker.”