Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I am asking that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, intervene in the serious dispute at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway, ongoing since September 2008. I raise the issue because much is at stake for the health of the people of the midlands and Galway area. The hospital is integral to the health services for the area because Athlone, with a population of more than 20,000, does not have its own hospital. A press release from the Health Service Executive last month stated wards might close and surgical services could be cancelled at the hospital owing to the dispute. The hospital has 200 beds with 700 health staff. It would have serious consequences if there were any cancellations of surgical procedures.

Five nurse managers, who have given stalwart service to the health service over the years, had concerns over health and safety issues for staff and patients. There have been several peaceful lunchtime protests where auxiliary and nursing staff have shown their support for their colleagues in the dispute. A stalemate has emerged between the hospital's senior management and these nurse managers.

There is a possibility the Labour Relations Commission will mediate between both parties. There appears to be reluctance on the part of the senior management at Portiuncula Hospital to engage in discussions that might allow those on both sides to air their grievances. This matter is not beyond resolution. I am of the view that there has been a lack of communication. I know members of the senior management at the hospital and also the five nursing managers who are absent from work on sick leave as a result of stress. I am aware that the latter want to care for the patients at the hospital and I cannot understand why this matter has reached a stalemate. The Minister for Health and Children must intervene.

Last year, staff at Portiuncula Hospital discharged more than 11,000 patients and dealt with 6,300 day cases. In addition, 39,000 people attended the hospital through the outpatients department. I do not wish to be political about this issue, that is not why I am raising it, but the Hanly report is being implemented behind closed doors and I am concerned that the HSE will use what is happening as an insidious means by which to downgrade services at Portiuncula Hospital. It has already been stated that there will be ward closures, that surgical procedures will be curtailed and so forth.

I ask the Minister of State to ensure that all the services currently on offer at the hospital will be retained and that the dispute will be resolved so that the five nurse managers, who are dedicated and have a vocation to their work and who really care about people, will be able to return to work.