Galway Advertiser 2005/2005_06_30/GA_3006_E1_029.pdf 

Extracted text

UCHG ambulance staff call off unofficial action
BY MARY O'CONNOR Ambulance personnel at University College Hospital voted earlier this week to call off unofficial action scheduled to take place both this and next week after agreement was reached with management on staffing issues at the west's biggest hospital. The 30 workers, who downed tools for two hours earlier this month to coincide with Health Minister Mary Harney's visit to the facility, had planned not to co-operate with private ambulances last Monday and were to stage a walk-out on Monday July 4 from 9am to 1pm. Martin O' Neill, the union representative for the Irish Ambulance Representative Council's emergency medical technicians in the city and county, says the proposed action was necessary to highlight their grievances. He claims staffing levels in Galway city and county are totally inadequate for the ever increasing workload. "We are also concerned over the failure of the HSE West to employ staff to fill ongoing vacancies in the Galway roster and about the over use of private ambulances - in the year to date costing is estimated at 1 million." He says union officials met HSE management on Monday. "We were offered more staff - four for Galway city - and an independent review of ambulance service staffing levels in the city and county which would be completed by 31 October. Staff met on Tuesday night to consider these proposals and voted in favour of them." A spokesperson for the HSE West said it met with SIPTU officials representing ambulance staff on Monday to discuss the proposed unofficial action. "We sought an early meeting with SIPTU officials to clarify the issues and to bring negotiations within the proper framework for dealing with disputes. "As a result of negotiations between the parties an agreement was reached. An implementation plan is being developed and will be fully completed over an agreed time frame. These actions are dependent on all parties working within the established framework for dealing with industrial relations issues." Meanwhile 16 ambulance personnel at stations in Clifden, Carraroe and Portiuncula will refuse from Monday to do on-call work unless they get written confirmation from the HSE West about when new staff will start work. Mr O'Neill says the oncall system, which the health service nationally has pledged to scrap, involves staff being oncall for example for five hours in addition to working a full eight to 10 hour shift. "Ambulance workers in the county are not happy with that. In December, they walked off the job. HSE management then agreed to make these stations 24 hours and to take on 12 extra staff. They did the interviews but the HSE is saying that it cannot give the current staff a starting date for the new employees as they are being held up with medical and Garda clearance. This delay has been going on for months. The existing staff are refusing from Monday to do on-call work if they don't get a letter about the starting date of new staff from the HSE."

Holiday Style

The Irish Joker Conal Gallen Sunday

10th July

BACK
David Martin are delighted to welcome back

WELCOME

Carvery Lunch every Sunday 12pm - 9pm New Extensive A la Carte Menu 6.30pm-9pm
For further information, please contact Peacockes Hotel & Complex on

091 552306

Lisa Garvin
to their Galway styling team. Lisa has been away on maternity leave and we are delighted to congratulate her on the birth of her baby girl, Ava. Lisa is acknowledged as one of Galway's finest stylists and is now taking appointments again at David Martin.

All you need for your Summer Holidays at mer
H A I R D R E S S I N G G R O U P

NEW DOCK ST, GALWAY PH: (091) 561200

Barna Village Centre. Tel: 091 596000

Design House

barna

Direct Furniture Sales
MAIN STREET, BALLA, CO MAYO
Tel: 094 9365346 Fax: 094 9365995 Opening hours: Tues - Sat 10am-6pm Sun 2-6pm Closed Monday 5,000SQ FT FLOOR SPACE WITH 30-40 SUITES TO CHOOSE FROM BOTH FABRIC AND LEATHER

Marriott arrives to Galway city with the beautiful new 4 star Courtyard by Marriott. The central location at Headford point has easy access to all major routes and is within walking distance of shop street and Eyre Square. The Courtyard offers stylish and comfortable guestrooms with high speed internet access, mini fridge, safe and pay per view movies. Our 3 state of the art conference suites can cater for 10 to 120 delegates with cutting edge audio visual equipment. Dine in our Olive Tree Bistro or relax with friends in the Point Bar. Other facilities include our fitness suite and complimentary car parking.

200-300 OFF THE MARKED PRICE

10% DISCOUNT OFF A LARGE
SELECTION OF TABLE & CHAIRS, UNITS, BEDS AND ALL BEDROOM FURNITURE

LE NOW ON SA FREE DELIVERY

For reservations or information contact 091 513200 or visit Marriott.ie/gwycy Headford Point, Headford Road Galway City