Laois businesses and workers have been flat to the mat gathering as much support and supplies for nurses and midwives striking today.
Downey’s Centra sent over hot and cold deli food, as did members of the Irish Prison Service who met with those striking across the road to give out soup and rolls.
Just down the road from the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, the Killeshin hotel provided tea, coffee scones, butter, cream and jam this morning and are heading back down now with sausages and chips.
Nurses and midwives are on a 24 hour strike across the country in a dispute over pay and staff shortages.
Starting from 8am, the Laois nurses are taking striking shifts in three-hour slots.
As a result of the strike, all outpatient appointments and many planned operations are cancelled today.
Talks are currently at a deadlock as the government remains adamant that the claim by nurses and midwives is unaffordable.
Emergency departments are operating, but with fewer nurses. Urgency cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is continuing today.
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