Report: 50 medical patients a day in surgical beds

AN average of 50 medical patients a day are occupying surgical beds in the Mid Western Regional hospital in Limerick, a Health Service Executive document has revealed.

It is resulting in the cancellation of planned surgery, and is causing overcrowding in the accident and emergency department, according to the report.

Dr Christine O’Malley, former president of the Irish Medical Organisation and consultant geriatrician at Nenagh General Hospital, said the document — the new “blueprint” outlining the plan for the transfer of emergency and surgical services from hospitals in Nenagh and Ennis to Limerick — further confirmed campaigners’ doubts regarding the transfer.