CNO speaks to nurses on strike day

Northern Ireland’s Chief Nursing Officer Maria McIlgorm has met with nurses participating in strike action, and also visited hospital services which were able to continue today.

Chief Nursing Officer Maria McIlgorm meets nurses on the picket line at the Royal Victoria Hospital

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and Department of Health nursing colleagues spoke with RCN members on the picket line and visited hospitals services that have been derogated from strike action.

“It’s a central part of my job to engage with nurses across Northern Ireland and hear directly about the issues that matter to them,” she said.

“As CNO, I obviously want to see nursing colleagues across health and social care being properly rewarded for their role, responsibility, and experience. I am acutely aware of the pressures nurses in Northern Ireland continue to work under.

“I am committed to addressing the workforce issues that cause my profession so much concern – including valuing staff, good working conditions and safe staffing, which will include reducing vacancies and unsustainable levels of agency expenditure.

Rhoda McFarland, Sister; Rugai Djalo, Clinical Nurse; Nathan Tate, Divisional Nurse and Maria McIlgorm, Chief Nursing Officer.

“Rebuilding our health service is an absolute priority for us all. Investment in the nursing profession is central to that.”  

The CNO added: “I know that there is not a single nurse who takes the decision to go on strike lightly.  Likewise, I also respect the rights of those who have decided not to take action.

“I commend the hard work done by Trusts, the RCN and trade union colleagues to mitigate the impact of industrial action this week.”

Notes to editors: 

1. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.

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3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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