THE number of patients on trolleys in Dublin hospitals in the first two weeks of December was almost double that during the same period in 2006, it was claimed yesterday. The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) blamed the 89 per cent rise on health service cutbacks implemented since September.

By ED CARTY NURSES vowed last night to hold a series of nationwide walkouts. After negotiations with the HSE were shelved, strike action is being stepped up from Friday with more than 20 hospitals being targeted. Stoppages will initially only be one hour but by next week will last three hours.

The decision was made last night following exploratory talks at government buildings chaired by the National Implementation Body.

Around 40,000 members of the Irish Nurses Organisation and Psychiatric Nurses Association are already on work-to-rule as part of a campaign for improved pay and reduced working hours. They have also held a series of one-hour stoppages at different hospitals around the country.

Today is the third day of stoppages by members of the Irish Nurses Organisation and the Psychiatric Nurses Association as part of their campaign for a 10% pay rise and a 35-hour working week.