Medical lab strike to hit tomorrow

Patients requiring “urgent care” will not be impacted by the planned 12-hour strike by medical laboratory scientists set to take place tomorrow (Wednesday), May 18.

However, GPs and emergency departments have been warned to expect some disruption as medical lab scientists will withdraw their services in a dispute over pay and unfilled posts. Some scheduled patient appointments may also be impacted.

Strike notice has been served on the HSE, and there are reports that further strike action is planned on two and three successive days in the following two weeks.

Medical laboratory scientists perform a crucial role in patient care and in the workings of emergency departments and acute hospital settings.

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, Su-zann O’Callaghan, general manager at Cavan and Monaghan Hospitals, assured that the strike action will “not impact urgent care”.

She said “negotiations” had taken place between hospital management and the Cavan strike organising committee to ensure there would be a level of service provided to those patients requiring urgent care.

However, she added there would be “some curtailment” of scheduled care services. “People have received notification by now if their care is being affected.”

Lab scientists are taking the planned industrial action following an unsuccessful round of talks after the Public Service Agreement Group (PSAG) referred the parties to re-engage.

The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) served notice for industrial action on March 30.

The group says that up to 20% of approved medical scientist posts are currently unfilled in hospitals across the country. “We have tried to avoid this action but have been left with no alternative,” said MLSA chairperson Kevin O’Boyle.

Wednesday’s strike action will take place between 8am and 8pm on Wednesday, May 18. If no progress is made, a further two days of action are planned for May 24 and 25.