Naas Hospital say industrial action may lead to patient 'delays'

NAAS General Hospital has announced the likelihood of delays in treatment there due to industrial action by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO). 

A HSE statement: “While discussions between the parties to date have not resulted in agreement, the HSE remains willing and available to engage constructively with the INMO at any time in order to reach a sustainable resolution. However, patients and the public should be aware that there may be some delays to patient flow through the hospital as a result. 

"There has been significant growth in the hospital workforce in recent years, as total staff numbers increased from 796 fulltime employees in December 2021 to 1,008 in November 2025 — an increase of 212, or 27 per cent, over four years. Nursing staff numbers have grown from 358 whole time equivalents in December 2022 to 433 by December 2025, representing an increase of 75 staff, or 21 per cent, and an additional 16 nursing staff posts have recently been approved for ‘Safer Staffing’." 

However, these points have been disputed by the INMO over what their union described as “unacceptable and unsafe staffing” levels, and will stage a lunchtime protest outside the hospital, with the union warning that this could escalate if staffing levels are not addressed.

“INMO members are dealing with immense pressure, unsafe conditions and continuous redeployment to different clinical areas in order to fill the most dangerous staffing gaps,” said Bernadette Stenson, INMO assistant director of industrial relations. “The hospital’s ability to meet demand has become entirely dependent on our members stretching themselves to breaking point.”