External probe into allegations of racism towards foreign nurses at CUH
An external investigation is underway at Cork University Hospital into serious allegations of racism made by foreign nurses.
An external investigation is underway at Cork University Hospital into serious allegations of racism made by foreign nurses.
It is also understood the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INM0) has received a petition signed by 29 nurses with a range of allegations.
One nurse affected told the why she made the complaints. She explained: “I really suffered a lot, I really don’t want my team to go through the same thing".
She said since arriving at CUH almost one year ago she has experienced a “really horrible” time. She also alleges delays in sending critical paperwork to the nursing regulator linked to her work permit application.
“During this time I lost my mother, and with everything that was happening I couldn’t travel,” she said.
A spokesman said: “CUH wish to confirm that an independent external investigation is currently underway into a series of allegations, therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment while this investigation is ongoing.”
He said CUH welcomes and benefits from a very diverse international workforce and it is vital they feel valued and respected.
He added: "Management at the hospital are treating the allegations very seriously and look forward to a prompt outcome to the investigation."
The INMO is representing nurses involved, and said it cannot comment as the situation is under investigation.
The nurses are supported by Migrant Nurses Ireland, a non-profit body helping international nurses.
A second nurse appealed to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland about similar paperwork delays, according to a report in the Irish Independent.
“NMBI receives a number of appeals every year and each appeal received is considered and we correspond with the applicant directly,” a spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
Socialist Party TD for Cork North-Central Mick Barry plans to meet with Migrant Nurses Ireland.
“Our health service would not survive 48 hours if it wasn't for the work, the skill and the experience of our migrant nurses,” he said.
“Any indication that they are being treated with anything but the utmost courtesy and respect should be cause for great concern at the highest levels of both the health service and the political system.”
