FG calls for closed hospital wards to be reopened

There is an urgent call this weekend for the Government to reopen closed hospital wards in a bid to prevent a major swine flu crisis.

Fine Gael is warning that seriously ill patients are being put at great risk of cross-infection due to overcrowding and large numbers waiting on trolleys.

The party said these extra beds should be staffed if necessary with agency nurses until the crisis is over.

Fine Gael's Deputy Leader and Health Spokesman Dr James Reilly said people with weak immune systems are particularly vulnerable to catching swine flu.