The INMO has stated today (Saturday), that it is vital the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery Professions now focuses on the unfinished business from the strike settlement of 2019.
The establishment of this group was a central plank of the settlement following the resolution of the 2019 nurses’ and midwives’ strike. The group was to have completed its business in May 2020 but was delayed. The INMO sought commitments from the then Minister for Health Simon Harris, leading to the group’s first meeting with the independent Chairman M Ryan and the INMO, PNA, and SIPTU Nursing taking place on the 26th of June.
INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said:
The business of this group is a matter for the nursing and midwifery professions and will be monitored closely by nursing managers in particular, who consider this process unfinished business in relation to their salaries. The group’s work will be extremely important in recognising nurses' and midwives’ contributions to quality care in the evolving health service.
We have made clear that it is vital the expert group hears directly from nurses, midwives, nurse and midwife managers of all grades, specialists, PHNs, and other grades in the front line. We will advocate strongly for the professions in all submissions and representations to the group.
This is a very important time for the health service and the voices of nurses and midwives must be listened to if we are to successfully meet the healthcare challenges ahead.