Harney invited to view overcrowding at Mater A&E

Relatives of patients waiting on trolleys at the Mater Hospital's casualty department have invited Health Minister Mary Harney to view the situation for herself.

The relatives held a demonstration outside the hospital yesterday in protest at overcrowding and long waiting times in the A&E unit.

They said many patients had been waiting for admission for several days.

Staff at the hospital confirmed that 20 people were waiting for admission last night, but said the problem was related to an overall bed shortage that could only be resolved by the Government.