Nurses say they are no longer prepared to work in overcrowded hospitals such as CUH and the Mercy as it's taking it's toll on their physical and mental well-being.
The INMO say they are now looking for tangible action from the HSE and hospital management to tackle the root cause of overcrowding at these hospitals and ensure that appropriate supports are made available within the community to allow for higher discharge rates.
35 people are being treated on trolleys at the Mercy and 62 patients are on trolleys on corridors at Cork University Hospital today.
The union says the situation at both hospitals is "intolerable" and "dangerous" and is leading to an "unacceptable risk" for staff and patients.
Speaking to RedFM News Liam Conway of the INMO says nurses will vote with their feet if firm, urgent action is not taken to resolve the overcrowding crisis in Cork hospitals:
"They do not want to go into work and risk their registration as a practising nurse, and they don't want to put any patients in harm's way. But, when you cannot provide the care in a timely manner, when you know the system is broke, that is a very challenging workplace. And the employer has to take responsibility and has to own that responsibility and take action. That's not a comfortable place to work in. And it's a dangerous work environment. And we have to remember this is a workplace".
