INMO calls for nationalization of all private hospitals in Ireland

DUBLIN: The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organization (INMO) has called for the nationalization of all private hospital systems in Ireland and the provision of extra beds and staff in all hospitals in the coming weeks.

The organization’s officials reminded the government that about 40,000 nurses in the country are under extreme pressure. The organization warned that only one-third of the capacity of the private hospital could be utilized under the current government-designed schemes, which is inadequate.

The INMO protested the move by asking nurses with close contact with COVID-19 patients to return to work. The union demanded that the decision be reconsidered and the proposal stayed.

Health Services Executive Chief Operations Officer Anne O’Connor told the media this morning that the decision to recall staff was due to a shortage of health workers.

Union officials also demanded that all required frontline staff be provided with childcare facilities.

The organization also called for the immediate implementation of PPE systems with high safety standards in the event of rapid rise in COVID-19. The INMO also calls for prioritising the immunisation of health workers.

The organization also calls for reasonable care and pay for nursing and midwifery students and interns. ‘We cannot ask students to take on more jobs with only a nominal salary,’ – Phil Ni Sheaghdha, INMO general secretary.

The INMO General Secretary said that at least 2,500 health workers are infected with the virus every week and it is time to protect the front line staff without any compromise.

COVID-19 death toll is rising

A further 3,569 new Covid-19 cases were reported in Ireland yesterday (Wednesday). The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) said 63 deaths had been reported in the past 24 hours.