FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 2004 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : NORTH WESTERN HEALTH BOARD - AND - IRISH NURSES ORGANISATION DIVISION : Chairman: Mr Duffy Employer Member: Mr Doherty Worker Member: Mr. Somers |
1. Nurse staffing levels.
BACKGROUND:
2. Arus Carolan is a 40-bed nursing home in Mohill, Co Leitrim. It was originally a 'welfare home' type unit but in 1998 was designated a Community Nursing facility. Since early 2002 the Health Board have been in discussion with the Union with regard to staffing levels and significant improvements have taken place.
Despite the improvements that have taken place in the staffing levels the Union believe there is a substantial discrepancy between the current allocation and the safe levels determined by the Union.
The dispute could not be resolved at local level and was the subject of a conciliation conference under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. As agreement was not reached, the dispute was referred to the Labour Court on the 8th September, 2004, in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. A Labour Court hearing took place on the 28th October, 2004.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. The Union contend that the current nursing staffing levels are inadequate, dangerous and a source of stress to the nurses employed at the unit.
2. In the absence of agreement between the Board and the Union on staffing levels the Union believe an independent review of service should be carried out in the shortest possible time.
BOARD'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. Significant increases in staffing levels have been put in place in recent years.
2. The Board offered to improve the management structure with the appointment of a CNM2 at the unit but this proposal was rejected by the Union.
3. Staffing levels at the unit compare favourably with those in other nursing units in the area.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is noted that a review of staffing levels in the Unit was conducted in 2001. Whilst this review was not conducted jointly with the Union the Court has no reason to believe that the findings were so unreliable as to warrant a further review at this time. Accordingly, the Court does not recommend concession of the Union's claim.
Should a further review be contemplated in the future, the Court recommends that the Union be fully consulted in the matter.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Kevin Duffy
15th November, 2004______________________
MG.Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Madelon Geoghegan, Court Secretary.