The Mid-Western Health Board yesterday praised the co-operation given by staff, including the striking nurses, in helping to maintain essential hospital and community services in the region.
Mr Stiofan de Burca, chief executive officer, said: "From our contact with the strike committee it is evident nurses are conscientious and concerned about the welfare of their patients." He repeated his appeal to the public to keep in touch with "vulnerable people in the community" and those who have recently been discharged from residential care.
He suggested relatives might increase the frequency of their visits to family members in hospital, particularly the elderly, mentally ill and mentally disabled.
He said 65 babies had been born at the Regional Maternity Hospital since the strike began and nurses had been leaving the picket line to help deliver them.