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New progress made by Psychiatric Nurses Unions

Significant progress has been made by The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) and SIPTU in relation to the compensation scheme for psychiatric nursing staff who are assaulted in the workplace. A new set of proposals have been proposed by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) to both unions with the aim of resolving the current dispute over the compensation scheme which commenced on Wednesday, 30th April 2008.

New proposal

The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) and SIPTU last night stated that the new proposals consist of "substantial increases in the financial compensation available to nurses injured at work, and the list of injuries for which compensation could be claimed has been increased from 13 to 52".

The two unions have stated that they will consider the new proposal tomorrow due to having previously agreed to attend a conference in UCD today.

Members of both Unions

At present, there are a total of 7,000 psychiatric nurses who are currently represented by the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) and SIPTU. The unions are claiming that the compensation which is being offered to psychiatric nurses under the HSE compensation scheme is significantly less in comparison to the amount that was set out under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board system.

Background of dispute

After a ballot involving members from each union on the 21st April 2008, it was decided that there would be a withdrawal of certain voluntary actions which were being provided to Psychiatric Units which would start on Wednesday, 30th April 2008. The actions which members decided to stop doing within work were as follows:

• No overtime
• Only working hours which they are rostered to do
• No Assisted Admissions
• No accompanying patients to Tribunals
• No attendance at non-essential meetings

Seeking Health Law Advice

For further information and advice regarding your legal rights and entitlements, please contact Malcomson Law by calling 01 8744422 or complete an Online Enquiry Form. Your enquiry will be forwarded to a solicitor who specialises in Medical Negligence.

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