SIPTU members protested over HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy in Cavan earlier today.

A picket was staged outside Cavan General from 12.30pm where SIPTU and colleague health unions continued their campaign of opposition to the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy.

One of the key issues highlighted of concern today was the staffing levels nationally. SIPTU Organiser, Luke Bell, who organises members in Cavan General Hospital stated that local union members are "deeply frustrated" at the lack of recruitment in certain areas of the hospital and are "concerned about the potential impact" on services.

He said it's clear to them that the HSE's policy on recruitment is not fit for purpose and places an effective embargo on the recruitment of staff.

There were a number of issues raised in relation to unsafe staffing levels and investment in recruitment.

Assistant General secretary for Forsa trade union in the North East and Dublin North Lynn Coffey, said the lack of staff are having a detrimental effect on people across the region trying to access the health service.

While. Deputy Pauline Tully said staff are frustrated and angered by staff shortages and in turn having a knock on effect on waiting lists.

The Cavan Monaghan TD said that this was unfair and it's putting people in danger.

Maeve Brehony from the INMO says the way staff shortages are going, a lot more people will end up on trolleys and waiting lists will only increase further.

While local councillor Sarah O'Reilly said that the lack of staffing are allowing the numbers of trolleys to become the norm when that should not be the case.