Staff at a radiotherapy ward in Cork University Hospital are to ballot for industrial action.

Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) are voting on a work to rule due to what they say is "ongoing inadequate and unsafe nurse staffing levels".

The INMO says management agreed to a review, at a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearing last year, of bed capacity on the ward, current staffing numbers and rosters - among other issues.

However, it claims that management have failed to produce a report on the review to date.

It also says six additional beds have been opened on the ward without any commensurate increase in staffing levels.

The INMO outlined their concerns in writing to hospital management last December.

It says that no progress has been made, as management have not responded to the issues raised.

INMO industrial relations officer Mary Rose Carroll said: "It is regrettable that INMO members have to consider engaging in industrial action given that management are aware of the needs of the service and have failed in their commitment to honour the terms of the WRC agreement brokered in May 2015".

"In addition, management have increased bed numbers without any increase in staffing levels".

INMO members say they are "extremely frustrated" at a lack of acknowledgement and engagement on the issue.

The ballot will take place today, and the INMO says it remains available to meet with management.