Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives have begun a work-to-rule strike at Naas General Hospital, after the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said staffing levels at the hospital have reached “unacceptable and unsafe” levels.
Members of the union will commence a work-to-rule and stage a lunchtime protest outside the hospital on Monday. The INMO has warned that the action could escalate if staffing shortages are not addressed.
The union said it has repeatedly engaged with the HSE regarding staffing pressures at the hospital but claims “no substantive action has been taken” to increase numbers in line with agreed safe staffing frameworks. It also pointed to failures to fill maternity leave vacancies and to expand staffing despite a rise of more than 25 per cent in emergency department attendances over the past three years.
INMO assistant director of industrial relations Bernadette Stetson said members “are dealing with immense pressure, unsafe working conditions and continuous redeployment to different clinical areas to fill the most dangerous staffing gaps”.
“The hospital’s ability to meet demand has become entirely dependent on our members stretching themselves to breaking point,” she said. “They now have no choice but to highlight existing shortfalls by beginning a work-to-rule action.
“Nurses in Naas do not want to take this action, but they see no alternative [unless] there is meaningful change in the hospital and significant measures taken to ensure their safety and the safety of their patients.”
INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said staffing shortages are a “huge problem” at Naas General Hospital and highlighted the impact on theatre nurses, stating that “highly-skilled theatre nurses are owed hundreds of hours of time back”.
“This type of employment pattern is being replicated in hospital sites across the country. The HSE must now meaningfully engage and ensure funded posts are being filled,” she said.
In a statement, the HSE confirmed that the industrial action began over the weekend “despite ongoing engagement and efforts to resolve the issues raised”. It said it remains open to further discussions.
“While discussions between the parties to date have not resulted in agreement, the HSE remains willing and available to engage constructively with the INMO at any time in order to reach a sustainable resolution,” a spokesperson said.
Naas General Hospital has introduced measures to manage services during the industrial action, though the HSE warned that delays to patient flow are possible. It said patient safety remains a priority and essential services will be maintained.
The HSE also said staffing levels at the hospital have increased significantly in recent years, with total staff numbers rising by 27 per cent between December 2021 and November 2025, and approved nursing staff increasing by 21 per cent over a three-year period.
“The HSE fully recognises and sincerely appreciates the continued professionalism, flexibility and commitment shown by staff at Naas General Hospital,” the spokesperson said.
