Work stoppages underway across Laois

PUBLIC sector work stoppages are underway across Laois, as part of a national day of industrial action.

Pickets have been mounted outside Portlaoise Hospital and a range of health services, clinics, schools, libraries, prisons, offices and other buildings throughout the county.

Staff are on picket duty outside the Midlands Prison, Laois Co Council headquarters on James Fintan Lalor Avenue and Government Buildings on the Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, as well as other public sector services.

The Kyletalesha landfill site near Portlaoise, run by Laois Co Council, is among the centres closed to the public.

The 24-hour stoppage today and next Wednesday, 21 October involves a range of trade unions, including the INMO, INTO, Fórsa and SIPTU.

More than 300,000 workers nationwide are involved in the industrial action amid a dispute over a new public sector pay deal.

The HSE has cancelled outpatient appointments, routine procedures and other services due to what it described as ‘significant and widespread disruption’ to many health and social care provider.

In a statement yesterday, the HSE said: ‘As part of contingency plans for the day, all elective, day services and outpatient healthcare services across hospitals and community settings are cancelled.

‘This includes routine hospital procedures, outpatient appointments, community-based services, day services, primary care clinics and other scheduled care services.

‘HSE administrative services will also be impacted. Home support care will continue for people with the highest care needs and those who are most vulnerable in line with approved derogations.

‘Other visits may be rescheduled where clinically safe to do so. Services may also continue for some other home care clients where deemed necessary locally.

‘Emergency Departments, ambulance services operating at reduced capacity, and other critical and time-sensitive healthcare services, including urgent cancer treatment and dialysis, will continue to operate.

‘Anyone requiring urgent medical attention should not delay seeking care. In an emergency, people should dial 999 or 112 or attend their nearest Emergency Department where necessary.’ 

The HSE added: ‘Please consider all care options before seeking emergency care. Injury units, GPs, GP out-of-hours services, and community pharmacies will remain available.

‘Healthcare teams are making every effort to contact as many patients as possible regarding their appointments and services.

‘Patients do not need to contact the HSE. All cancelled appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

‘The HSE continues to engage with health sector unions regarding contingency arrangements and service delivery for Wednesday and we will provide further information as arrangements are finalised.

‘The HSE recognises the disruption this will cause for patients and their families, and we thank the public for their patience and understanding.’