SIPTU radiographers disappointed at HSE response to Galway hospitals’ staffing crisis
SIPTU radiographers at University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital have expressed their disappointment at the response from management at a meeting today (12th October) to discuss staffing levels.
Radiographers earlier this week voted overwhelmingly for industrial action up to and including strike action over short staffing and excessive workloads. The vote followed months of frustration over recruitment and retention issues at the two hospitals which have left SIPTU members facing a significant extra workload amid a 20 per cent staffing deficit.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, John McCamley, said: “This dispute centres around staffing, increased workload, non-payment of wage arrears, out of hours arrangements and non-adherence to national agreements. There is a growing sense that HSE management is not willing to engage meaningfully to resolve this dispute and that the window to find a resolution is closing fast.
“SIPTU members are disappointed that no concrete proposals have come from management to resolve the dispute and are frustrated regarding the additional workload placed on radiographers as a result of inadequate staffing.
“SIPTU representatives are seeking commitments from management that it will address wage arrears as a matter of urgency and deal with patient safety issues in the provision of proper out of hours arrangements. ”