IMPACT has sought the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) following a statement by the HSE that 22 beds in St. Brigid’s Hospital, Ballinasloe would be closed in the next two to four months. The HSE made the announcement to members of the Oireachtas in July.

In a letter to the LRC, IMPACT official Sophia O’Reilly explained that there had been no consultation with IMPACT or any other union under the Employee (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act, 2006.  

At a recent meeting between IMPACT and HSE management, Sophia said that they were not in a position to comment on the closure when IMPACT raised the issue. IMPACT informed management that the matter would have to be referred to the LRC for determination.

IMPACT has about 50 members in St Brigid’s. Staff at the hospital are also represented by SIPTU and the INMO.