Midwives working in Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar have voted in favour of industrial action, due to major concerns over staff shortages.

According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), its members are ‘disillusioned with the HSE and its failure to listen and act in a timely fashion'.

"Our members have nothing personally to gain by speaking out except securing a safe, quality and appropriately staffed maternity service for mothers and babies. It is of significant concern to frontline midwives that the ongoing clinical risks at the hospital due to a shortage of staff are being left unaddressed," commented INMO industrial relations officer, Anne Burke.

The organisation has noted that aside from staff shortages, there is a lack of key specialist roles and it is calling for a number of appointments, including a director of midwifery, a lactation consultant and a bereavement clinical midwife specialist.

It is also looking for the appointment of dedicated ward clerks and porters to support the midwifery service, the immediate replacement of staff on all forms of leave and the proper rostering of staff for each shift.

The INMO said that it has engaged with hospital management about these issues on an ongoing basis, but staff concerns have not been properly addressed.

"Our members are extremely concerned about patient safety and are frustrated and disappointed at management's inadequate response to their legitimate claims. INMO members believe that working in this difficult environment is having a detrimental effect on their health and wellbeing. They have been left with no other option but to take this course of action," Ms Burke said.

The action will begin with a lunchtime protest on December 5 from 1-2pm and this will be followed by a work to rule, commencing on December 7.

"During the work to rule, members will withdraw from clerical and support duties to focus on, and prioritise, direct midwifery care. If no progress is made, members will proceed to a full withdrawal of labour," the INMO added.