The dispute between the Irish Nurses Organisation and the North Eastern Health Board has escalated, with the INO saying work stoppages will begin next week unless "a humane solution" is found.
Yesterday, a week after the dispute over staffing requirements in the A&E department of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, in Drogheda, began, nurses held a lunch-time protest outside the hospital.
"The board offered us an additional 48 hours' nursing cover but it would have required restructuring of the entire roster and nurses working until midnight and we actually need an extra 81 hours' cover," said Ms Patsy Doyle, industrial relations officer with the INO.
Ms Doyle also alleged some nurses had been "terrorised" after she directed them last week to walk off the department to protest at the continuing situation.
"This dispute has become very acrimonious and all we want is the board to provide safe staffing levels. We are appealing for the board's chief executive, Paul Robinson, to intervene in a dispute that would be solvable with a little diplomacy, courage and innovation," she said.
The North Eastern Health Board said it was "endeavouring" to resolve the situation. The INO says it will hold one-hour and two-hour stoppages next week unless progress is made.