SIPTU has raised grave concern about the closure of an operation theatre in Louth County Hospital on alternative weeks from the start of September. The move may result in SIPTU members being transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, during the weeks on which this theatre is closed or transferred to other departments of Louth County Hospital. SIPTU Organiser, John McCamley, said: “The union was not informed or consulted about this decision, only becoming aware of it after calls from members expressing their deep concern. Management only scheduled meetings with affected staff after SIPTU wrote to it. However, these discussions failed to deal with the primary issue which is the closure of the theatre. “SIPTU has written to the Louth Hospital Group manager, Margaret Swords, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss this unilateral decision. SIPTU has raised particular concern that no end date to this temporary arrangement has been forthcoming. We've have also indicated that our members are unhappy with the lack of consultation on this issue.” He added: “SIPTU members have requested to see any risk assessments which have been carried out on the possible impact of the theatre closure. To date, the group manager has not indicated that she is willing to meet to discuss this issue. In the coming days SIPTU will be consulting with its members in Louth County Hospital on what further action should be taken in relation to this issue.” SIPTU is the biggest union in Louth/Meath hospital group and represents Nursing, Health Care Assistants, Health Professionals and Support grades.
SIPTU expresses ‘grave concern’ about theatre closure at Louth County Hospital
