Staff at St James’s Hospital in Dublin will face chaos from this morning after losing access to over 300 car parking spaces, according to the union representing nurses.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) last night condemned the withdrawal of space, saying no other alternative has been provided to shift workers.
The decision is a result of the beginning of construction on the new national children’s hospital, according to the INMO, which said it did not expect work to commence until October.
However, St James's this morning denied failing to offer additional parking to workers.
"Staff parking at St James’s Hospital will be reduced as a result of building works relating to the national children's hospital," it said.
"The hospital has been engaging with staff in respect of this matter on an ongoing basis for the past year.
"Additional parking for staff has been secured by the hospital at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and a shuttle service is in operation to bring staff to and from the site.
"Parking is also available at the James’s Steel car park, where opening hours have been extended and additional security added.
"The hospital continues to engage with staff directly around mobility on and off the hospital campus.
"A full-time mobility manager has been in place for the last year to assist staff in planning their journeys to and from work."
Public transport 'not feasible'
A meeting of more than 100 INMO members last Thursday heard how nurses working 12-hour shifts need to be assured that a safe and secure car space will be available for them.
"Some nurses are travelling significant distances and need car parking on site. For many, public transport is simply not feasible," the union said in a statement.
The INMO added that nurses are seeking employment elsewhere as a result of the decision, which it says was taken without consultation.
"In the current climate of severe difficulties in retaining nurses, this move, which completely disregards the cost increasing implications that will accrue and the inconvenience for shift workers, is unfair considering the already reduced salaries of these grades," it said.
"The lack of adherence to the most basic good practice of consultation, is also felt by INMO members as a disregard for the public service agreement and a lack of appreciation for them as employees, considering the flexibility and productivity they have shown throughout the past number of difficult years."
The INMO said it asked hospital management to defer the decision on Friday but received no response.
Industrial relations officer Clare Treacy said the decision shows "a total disregard for the safety of a predominantly female workforce".
Such action is likely to have "serious consequences" for the recruitment and retention of staff, she said.
The union warned that a ballot for industrial action is likely when its members meet again next week.
