Theatre nurses at St Colmcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, have been asked to suspend their industrial action, which has resulted in all surgical accident and emergency admissions in the evening, having to be diverted to neighbouring hospitals.

Those involved have withdrawn their on-call availability since July 23. As a result, no surgical procedures can be carried out in the hospital after 4.30 each day.

The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) is seeking an increase in the on-call pay rate for the nurses.

However according to the East Coast Area Health Board (ECAHB), a 'generous package of measures' was offered to the nurses and refused.

"The board would urge the INO to suspend their action and work with management to find a fair and practical way forward and to allow the hospital to provide a full service to its patients", a spokesperson for the ECAHB said.

"Surgical accident and emergency admissions in the evening will continue to be diverted to neighbouring hospitals for the duration of the dispute", the board added.