The Health Ministry says it will be coordinating with the regional health authorities, to manage coverage at facilities impacted by industrial action taken by registered nurses.

The ministry says measures will be put in place, to ensure coverage continues with the least possible disruption in services.

77 percent of registered nurses slated to report to work for the morning shift were present at their respective duty stations in hospitals island wide today (Nov 23).

The regions most affected by the industrial action were north east regional health authority with 41 percent followed by western regional health authority at 57 percent southern regional health authority 62 percent and south east regional health authority at 71 percent.

The Health Ministry says there was no absenteeism reported  at primary health care facilities.

It says the hospitals most affected will only provide emergency services which means that those facilities are not able to conduct elective surgeries due to the reduced nursing staff complement.

Minister of Health, Dr. Christopher Tufton says, he is  assessing the situation to coordinate the most effective response and ensure that services and coverage continues despite reduced staffing.