Almost 400 patients waiting on trolleys

THERE were almost 400 patients on trolleys in hospitals across the country yesterday, a situation that was described as unsafe by a prominent patient advocate.

“I am very worried because it is unsafe,” said Stephen McMahon of the Irish Patients’ Association.

“Staff in emergency departments are having to deal with critically ill patients coming in the door as well as patients who should be moved to a ward,” said Mr McMahon.