Updated 09.50

Nurses in the Emergency Department (ED) at St. Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin are to embark on industrial action in protest at overcrowding.

A lunchtime demonstration takes place at the hospital next Monday between 1pm and 2pm, followed by a work-to-rule protest from Tuesday.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives' Organisation (INMO) says the number of admitted patients on trolleys in the ED is being understated and there has been a failure to acknowledge the extent of the crisis caused by overcrowding at St Vincent's.

The union says its members have voted to embark on industrial action, up to and including withdrawal of labour.

Management at St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin say they deeply regret the decision of nurses to embark on industrial action.

Tuesday's work-to-rule will commence from 8am, and as part of the action nurses will withdraw from any clerical work; non-nursing duties or use of information technology; and, using phones except the two Emergency Ambulance phones in the ED.

INMO members say these steps will afford nurses more time for direct patient care.

The union says more than 100 patients are regularly being accommodated in the Emergency Department, which has a capacity to accommodate only 18 patients on trolleys. 

The union has also accused management of undercounting patients on trolleys for Trolleywatch purposes.

Meanwhile, management says they will work to minimise the disruption for patients.