Labour TD calls for more hospital beds

A Labour Party TD has called for more beds for hospitals and care facilities.

Mary Upton made the request following the death of a patient who was transferred from St. James' hospital in Dublin to a nursing home in Kildare.

She claims Vincent O'Brien was forcibly moved to the nursing home without his family's consent.

She wants the Minister for Health to answer questions about his transfer.

Deputy Upton said more beds need to come on stream to prevent this happening again.

She added: "There is huge need for 'step-down' beds in the Dublin area, available to families who would only have access within the Dublin area in real terms because of public transport availability."