Industrial Action At Naas Hospital Moves Into Second Day

The INMO says staff shortages are putting patients and healthcare workers at risk

Nurses at Naas General Hospital say industrial action will continue for a second day today (29 October) unless an agreement is reached over safe staffing levels.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says staff shortages are putting patients and healthcare workers at risk.

It follows yesterday's (28 October) announcement of the action, due to an agreement struck in February which has not yet been implemented, according to INMO members there.

The dispute follows what the union says is a failure by HSE management to honour a staffing agreement reached in February.

The INMO described the escalation as "regrettable," and says it will continue indefinitely.

Its calling on hospital management to address staffing and safety concerns urgently.

“It is regrettable that INMO members have been left with no alternative but to take such action in order to safeguard patient safety and protect their own health and safety in the workplace," said Industrial Relations Officer for Naas General Hospital, Karen McCann.

"Nurses cannot reasonably be expected to shoulder the significant risks arising from inadequate staffing levels, including risks to patient safety and to their own professional registration and livelihoods.

“INMO members cannot be held responsible for adverse incidents or clinical events arising from unsafe staffing levels and circumstances beyond their control.

McCann also emphasised that responsibility for safe staffing levels and services of "applicable national standards" rests with hospital management.

“Management are keeping the hospital in a constant state of emergency escalation by placing additional beds, without any regular staffing allocation, throughout the hospital," she added.

In a statement, she said management have also been called on to avail of, and organise, all possible healthcare alternatives in the area to reduce the burden on the hospital.

In a statement by the HSE Dublin and Midlands, it said it was "disappointing" that the action could not be averted:

"It is disappointing that a satisfactory agreement was not reached by parties that would have allowed the industrial action to be averted. Management retain a significant concern around any industrial actions that impact on the mutual commitment to patient safety at all times. Management are implementing contingency plans and engagement will remain ongoing with the INMO.

Naas General Hospital continues to respond to growing demand across Kildare and West Wicklow, one of the fastest-growing populations in the country. Significant investment in recent years has supported the expansion of services, with funding increasing from €82 million in 2022 to €131 million in 2026 and staffing growing to more than 1,080 WTE.

The hospital has increased inpatient capacity and strengthened its workforce including the recruitment of additional nursing staff and has substantially advanced the implementation of the Safe Staffing Framework, including the introduction of Trendcare.

395.65 WTE nurses were in post at end Sept 2026.

The total staffing has increased by 92 WTE since September 2025 and this includes 18.78 Nurse WTE. Of the 31 posts identified as part of the agreement earlier in the year with the INMO, 11 are onboarded, 5 are in clearances and the remaining are working through the required approval processes.

Significant progress has also been made in reducing reliance on agency staffing, with non-framework nursing agency use eliminated and further agency-to-permanent conversions underway.

The hospital remains focused on delivering safe, high-quality care while continuing to improve workforce sustainability, patient flow and service capacity. The region are committed to deliver investment in permanent staffing, enhanced community and integrated care and supporting infrastructure to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the region," the statement concluded.