Health Minister urged to tackle overcrowding crisis

The current overcrowding crisis in A&E departments across the country needs a clear response from the health minister, it was claimed today.

There was a record 422 people waiting on hospital trolleys yesterday, according to the Irish Nurses Organisation.

The Labour Party called for proposals on the issue which has this week seen record numbers of patients on hospital trolleys.

“We have not heard from Minister Harney on any health issue since before Christmas,” said party health spokesperson Liz McManus.

“With more than 400 patients on trolleys and medical staff under intolerable pressure the public would like to hear of the steps she is taking to deal with the crisis, or at least some indication that she is even interested in the situation.

“Instead, all we have got is a deafening silence.”

Ms McManus said that patients on hospital trolleys used to be a phenomenon on busy weekends in winter but is now a “permanent feature of our hospital system”.

“Political accountability and responsibility must not end when the Dail is not sitting.

“Rather than ignoring the problem and hoping that it will go away, what is required now from the Tanaiste is a clear response and proposals on a set measures that will deal with the crisis in the short term and in the longer term.

“We need a cohesive plan to address bed capacity, staffing shortages and funding problems in the hospital system. Those who need it most are the hundreds of patients lying on trolleys awaiting care.”