A work to rule instruction issued to members last week, following a ballot held in December. 

Clinical Measurement Physiologist (CMP) members employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Section 38 voluntary hospitals voted in favour of industrial action, in a dispute arising from a stalled workforce review, lack of consultation around new community hubs, and outsourcing of CMP services. You can read the full union instruction here. 

Clinical Measurement Physiologists carry out vital diagnostic work in the HSE and in HSE funded agencies, in both community and acute settings. There are five disciplines within the profession: Neurophysiology, Respiratory Physiology, Vascular Physiology, Cardiac Physiology and Gastrointestinal Physiology.   

National secretary Linda Kelly said: “Clinical measurement physiologists play a crucial role in diagnostic healthcare, yet their career progression and working conditions have been put on the back burner for years. The lack of consultation in regard to governance for community hubs and the rise in outsourcing of their work has only exacerbated the challenges and anxiety felt by members.”  

She continued: “As far back as 2010 the McHugh Doran report acknowledged the need for proper career pathways, yet no action has arisen in the 15 years since it was released.” 

The industrial action will begin from members’ normal starting time on Friday 30th January 2026.  

The union instruction requires members to adhere strictly to the terms of their contract of employment and includes detailed guidance on how to implement this instruction, from refraining to take on work appropriate to other professionals and grades, and not checking work phones or emails out of hours.  

Members should also refrain from working overtime, or working up additional hours, decline to work weekends or bank holidays unless they are normally rostered to do so, and members should not provide on call services out of hours. 

The instruction also contains provisions on withdrawal from cooperation with student placements and change management processes, declining to return national information and data returns, and not undertaking tasks related to vacant posts or unfilled maternity leave, amongst other directives. 

Linda advised members to familiarise themselves with the instruction and seek clarification if they have any questions. She said: “For the industrial action to have an impact members must work together and adhere strictly to the instruction. Please read it now and make sure you and your colleagues fully understand how to implement it.” 

The Health & Welfare divisional executive committee (DEC) have put in place a dispute committee to oversee this dispute. They will work with the dispute subcommittee of the Clinical Measurement Physiologist national professional committee.  

Should branches have any queries they should contact their local official in the first instance. You can read the full union instruction here.

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