The Workers’ Party extends its full solidarity with all INMO members and emergency department workers who are taking strike action tomorrow (Tuesday 15th October).

Jimmy Dignam, Dublin North-West representative, stated: “I will be present at tomorrow’s picket line at Beaumont hospital to show my full solidarity with the striking emergency department workers. The fact that 92% voted for industrial action is a reflection of just how bad the situation is across A&E’s across the country”.

Mr. Dignam believes that the spin emanating from both the HSE and the Government is “utterly deplorable”. He stated: “The comments from the HSE, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health are insulting to both health care workers and the patients who are forced to experience atrocious conditions across our hospitals. This trio would have us believe that the overcrowding and scandalous waiting times are a result of mis-management. The crisis in Irish hospitals only exists because of under-funding, inadequate staffing levels and the Government’s ongoing agenda of privatising health care services.”

In relation to the media and HSE’s scaremongering, Mr. Dignam said: “These nurses are striking because of the shocking statistic that overcrowding has increased for the 15 month in a row and stands at record levels. These workers want to safeguard patient care, as well as their own wellbeing, which is being jeopardised daily because of these unacceptable working conditions. This strike is about nothing else and both the media and the HSE should not attempt to distort this fact.”

The Workers’ Party commends both the INMO and its members in taking this brave and necessary step in shining light on the shameful condition of our emergency departments.