Radiographers who are members of SIPTU in University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action up to and including strike action in a dispute over staffing levels.
The union said its members are frustrated over recruitment and retention issues at the two hospitals which have left them facing a significant extra workload.
SIPTU has accused management of rejecting proposals that it put forward to address the problem and said that reluctance by the hospitals to consider additional out-of-hours services is at odds with the stated positions of the Minister for Health and HSE CEO.
"There is a growing demand for qualified radiographers across Ireland. As a result, fundamental changes must be made to attract radiographers to Galway," said SIPTU sector organiser, John McCamley.
"If these are not forthcoming, there will be a full-blown crisis in both hospitals," Mr McCamley said.
"SIPTU representatives are concerned that staffing deficits for radiographers in Galway could cause significant safety issues. We are calling for immediate action to be taken by management to address recruitment and retention," he added.
The hospitals are part of the Saolta University Health Care Group.
A spokesperson for the group said it noted the proposed industrial action and added that it is fully committed to engaging with the industrial relations process to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
"GUH, as with other acute hospitals, is challenged by a global shortage of radiographers and we acknowledge that staff shortages negatively impact our workforce," the spokesperson said.
"We are making every effort to fill vacant posts and are actively prioritising ongoing recruitment campaigns which target domestic and international markets."
"We will continue to engage with our staff and representative body on the issues of concern," the group said.
