Ireland’s children’s hospitals face disruptions due to strike action

The strike will run from 8 am to 8 pm today.

Ireland's children's hospitals will face disruptions due to strike action today. The MLSA will take industrial action today, May 18th. The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association is striking because of issues with pay parity. The union has called for equal pay for laboratory workers. "Our labs will not be running business as usual on this day," CHI confirmed. Blood tests and regular tests won't be widely available at Crumlin and Temple Street. They also won't be available at Connolly and Tallaght hospital. The strike will run from 8 am to 8 pm today. It will also impact outpatients, inpatients, and day cases. "Patients should attend their appointments as normal unless they are contacted directly by their hospital." Anyone who has had an appointment canceled will receive a new one in due course. Urgent and time-sensitive testing will be facilitated, the hospital shared. Parents have been reassured that children in emergency cases will not be affected. Emergency departments will operate as normal. However, patients who don't need urgent treatment will likely experience delays. Outpatient appointments and elective procedures may face cancelations. Some cancer and dialysis appointments will continue despite the strike. Anyone with medical concerns that aren't an emergency should contact their GP or pharmacist. However, if you or your child needs urgent medical attention then you should attend A&E. Click here for more information.