A&E hit harder by bug than strike

THERE were nine patients on A&E trolleys at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital yesterday morning but not, it has been suggested, because of the nurses work to rule.

Joe Cassidy, clinical nursing manager in A&E, said nobody would have been on a trolley if it wasn’t for the winter vomiting bug.

When the Irish Examiner visited the hospital shortly before 1pm there were just seven patients waiting.

Patrick Mulqueen, a 30-year-old Irish Rail worker, said he was in no rush, however: “As long as I’m out of here in time to see tonight’s Champions League came with PSV Eindhoven I’ll be happy.”

Acting general manager at the hospital, Mark Sparling, said patient care has not been affected but said there were some delays in getting patients to wards from A&E, as nurses were not using the IT system.

Mr Sparling said phone queries from relatives about the condition of particular patients, were putting pressure on administration staff.

“If a query comes through from a relative... it will be passed on to management who will... check back with the ward. The relative is then phoned back as soon as possible.”