Sir, - At the annual meeting of the Irish Society for Rheumatology on October 15th, a motion was passed unanimously in support of our nursing colleagues and their efforts to secure better work conditions, pay and career structures, including recognition of training.
It was agreed that we should write to urge those Ministers responsible to act immediately to either avert an avoidable strike or to enter into meaningful negotiations to shorten its duration and impact. This strike will result in long-term suffering for the public, nurses, doctors, all hospital staff and ultimately the Government of this country.
Much of the emphasis in the media has been on whether the emergency services are likely to be adequate. While we share these concerns, as rheumatologists we are also especially concerned for our many arthritic patients whose appointments, treatments and rehabilitation programmes have already been cancelled as a result of the industrial action. This dispute can be shortened if the responsible Ministers are willing to return to the negotiating table to address the outstanding issues not deliberated on by the Labour Court.
If action is not taken by Government in a positive direction aimed at addressing these issues, there will be irrevocable damage to all hospital staff morale, public confidence in Government structures and the general health of the Irish public.
We request the Government's action immediately. - Yours, etc., Dr Oliver Fitzgerald
Honorary Secretary, Irish Society for Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park Dublin 4.