Cardiac surgeries cancelled due to perfusionists' strike

Up to 14 open-heart surgeries have been delayed this week due to a strike by cardiac specialists, specifically perfusionists, who are demanding better pay. These professionals are essential in performing complex cardiac surgeries, as they operate the heart-lung machines used to maintain blood flow and oxygenation when a patient's heart is stopped during operations. The strike comes after the Health Service Executive (HSE) failed to implement a Labour Court recommendation regarding the pay scale for perfusionists. This decision has resulted in significant disruptions to cardiac surgical services across several major hospitals in Ireland.

The strike began with a 24-hour walkout on June 8, 2026, which led to the cancellation of 14 scheduled cardiac surgeries, including two pediatric cases. The affected hospitals include the Mater Hospital, St James’s Hospital, Children’s Health Ireland Crumlin, University Hospital Galway, and Cork University Hospital. Perfusionists, who are among the few individuals trained to perform such specialized tasks, are critical to ensuring the success of these life-saving procedures. Their absence has forced the postponement of surgeries, impacting both adult and child patients awaiting treatment.

The dispute centers on a long-standing pay link between perfusionists and medical scientists, a relationship established in the mid-20th century and recognized in recent collective agreements. However, when medical scientists received a pay increase in 2024, this adjustment was not extended to perfusionists. The Labour Court recommended in January 2026 that the pay disparity be corrected, suggesting that the new pay scale for medical scientists should be retroactively applied to perfusionists from January 1, 2024. Despite this recommendation, the HSE has not acted on it, citing financial constraints and the need for approval under the Public Service Agreement (PSA).

Fórsa, the union representing the perfusionists, argues that the HSE's refusal to implement the Labour Court recommendation amounts to a unilateral pay cut. They emphasize that the cost of hiring temporary perfusionists has risen significantly since the dispute began, which could potentially offset the expenses associated with restoring the pay link. The union has warned that unless a resolution is reached, a 48-hour strike is planned for June 16 and 17, which could cause further disruptions to cardiac surgical services.

Reactions from various stakeholders highlight the gravity of the situation. Rob Regan, the head of the perfusion department at the Mater Hospital, expressed frustration over the HSE's lack of engagement and the impact on patients whose surgeries have been postponed. He noted that the pay disparity has led to some junior perfusionists seeking employment in private hospitals offering higher compensation. Gary Gannon, a member of parliament, criticized the HSE for wasting taxpayer money by opting for costly locum services instead of addressing the pay issue directly.

The Irish Patients' Association has urged the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to intervene personally to resolve the dispute promptly. They argue that patients should not bear the brunt of a conflict that has a clear resolution. Meanwhile, the HSE maintains that it is committed to engaging with the union to find a solution and prevent further industrial action. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on resolving the pay dispute to ensure that cardiac surgical services can resume without further disruption.