Lunchtime protests by healthcare workers in the ICTU group of healthcare unions are growing across the country as members continue to express serious concerns over the Health Service Executive’s ability to adequately staff its services.   

This week Fórsa members protested at Cavan General Hospital, Tuam Primary Care Centre, Sligo University Hospital, Mayo University Hospital, and Naas General Hospital.

Cork University Hospital

This dispute centres on the impact of the HSE’s Pay and Number Strategy. Since October 2023, unions have highlighted the persistent issue of unfilled vacancies. Despite the removal of the recruitment ban, many sanctioned posts from 2023 remain vacant, with unions questioning how funding for these positions was allocated.  

In July 2024, the HSE's Pay and Numbers Strategy effectively "decommissioned" thousands of vital positions, a move that has severely impacted frontline services. Despite repeated requests for engagement, the HSE rejected all efforts to address these concerns. 

Cork University Hospital

In response, Fórsa surveyed its members in August, receiving nearly 4,000 submissions detailing the growing inability to deliver essential services, worsening waiting lists, and the significant toll on both workers and the public.  

Union members across the board are arguing that the failure to fill critical posts is exacerbating pressure on frontline workers, leading to rolling protests across the country. Following Cork University Hospital and Dr. Steevens Hospital two weeks ago, last week it was the turn of union members at Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, as well as Tullamore Regional Hospital and St.Lukes in Kilkenny.

Dr. Steeven's Hospital Dublin

Ashley McGowan is a respiratory physiologist at Connolly Hospital, where she has been working for over 18 years, she explained her frustration with the hiring freeze, saying: “We had two posts frozen. We're only a small department, and the impact was significant.”

McGowan said they proceeded with interviews, expecting the embargo to be lifted, but were later told the positions were lost. “Two people who were on a panel for those posts that were immediately paused, which I feel is extremely unfair. It’s terribly unfair on patients that they’re lounging on waiting lists. And because of staffing, we’re just really not able to cope with this,” she said. 

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda

Niamh, an administrative worker at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, highlighted how the shortage of admin staff has slowed down the hiring of other essential roles. “We understand in admin roles that the priority posts are the posts within the hospital, but if the admin roles aren’t filled, for example in HR, we can’t then fill the other roles in a speedy time because we’re short-staffed too. So, it’s important all around for a functioning hospital for us all to be fully staffed,” she explained. 

Standing alongside the Drogheda protest, Fórsa’s president Martin Walsh warned that the reductions will severely impact patient care. "We’re here today at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital to let the HSE know that staff cuts equal service cuts." 

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda

He pointed out that the decision made by the HSE to cut over 2,000 jobs would have far-reaching effects: "We need the government to realise that if you cut jobs, you are cutting services. If you are cutting services, you are impacting lives.”
 
“While the HSE claims its workforce is at an all-time high, the reality is that increased demand from an ageing population has left the system critically under-resourced," explained the head of Fórsa’s health division Ashley Connolly. 

St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny

Ashley emphasised that arbitrary decisions to leave key positions unfilled have resulted in chaotic downsizing. 

"This has severely compromised members' ability to provide safe care. In September, after reviewing the survey results and consulting with representatives, Fórsa's Health & Welfare Divisional Executive Council (DEC) voted to ballot for industrial action, up to and including strike action. The anger on the ground is growing. Staff cuts lead to service cuts, and everyone across the board is suffering—from staff to patients.” 

Tuam Primary Care Centre

Linda Kelly, national secretary urged members from all divisions across the union to support members in the Health & Welfare division. She said: 

“Our members' ability to deliver safe services has been severely compromised. Everybody needs a hospital appointment some time and the letter you get in the post confirming an appointment, or the OT that helps your child or parent, might well be a Fórsa member. They need your support now.”

The ballot for industrial action among Fórsa members of the HSE opened on Monday 14th October and will run until Tuesday 26th November. Additionally, the INMO has opened its own ballot. Further protests are scheduled for next week at Kerry University Hospital on Wednesday 23rd October and at University Hospital Clonmel, Tipperary, on Thursday 24th October. 

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