Irish nurses around the world are asking for ‘a reason to come home’

Irish nurses around the world are asking for a reason to come home.

Healthcare professionals living in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Doha, and Riyadh, are standing in support of the nurses due to take strike action in Ireland tomorrow. Over 35,000 nurses and midwives are expected to strike for 24 hours starting January 30 at 8am and finishing on January 31 at 8am. Nurses are striking for better pay and to solve the recruitment and retention issues within their sector. The INMO (Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation) has since received photos of Irish nurses from around the world showing their support for those living and working in Ireland. They have asked for "a reason to come home." Doha, Qatar  London, England Sydney, Australia Melbourne, Australia  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia  INMO President Martina Harkin Kelly said she is "touched" by the core message of the solidarity protests. "I’m proud and humbled by the support of our nursing and midwifery colleagues around the world," she said. "Globally, our nurses and midwives are standing up for safe staffing, fair pay, and for our patients, who deserve better care. That’s what Wednesday’s strike is all about." "I’m touched and saddened by their core message 'give us a reason to come home.' Ireland’s public health service does not pay a competitive wage, meaning many of Ireland’s brilliant nurses and midwives are forced to look overseas to secure fair pay and safe conditions.” Tomorrow's strike will take place in all public hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country.