86-year-old former nurse joins strike in Waterford

Fair play, Norma.

Over 30,000 nurses and midwives around Ireland engaged in a work stoppage today. Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) are calling for better pay and improved working conditions and staffing levels in hospitals. It's been an emotive day on the picket lines but one story that's struck a chord is that of an elderly former nurse who lent her support to the cause. https://twitter.com/LynnCahill/status/1090630659704541184 86-year-old Norma braved freezing cold conditions to join her "proud" daughters on strike in Waterford this afternoon. Though retired, she was snapped wearing an INMO 'Official Dispute On Here' placard, leaving no doubt as to her commitment. 'Old nurse' Norma also wrote a card to those protesting today, wishing them luck and telling them that she was rooting for them. The INMO today said it is up to the state to ensure that Irish people don't face any more disruption due to strike action.

Incredible nurses and midwives pictured below from #Waterford and #Roscommon, out on strike for themselves, their awesome colleagues, and their patients. ?? pic.twitter.com/1KoZUZAmO5

— Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (@INMO_IRL) January 30, 2019

While some union members continue to provide emergency care during the 24-hour strike period, hospitals are running at a reduced capacity and thousands of operations and appointments have been cancelled. The public has been asked only to attend Emergency Departments where absolutely necessary. Further work stoppages are planned for next month if an agreement is not reached - the INMO has threatened further days of industrial action on 5, 7, 12, 13 and 14 February.