Emergency department patients suffering 'appalling abuse' from drunks

Fine Gael TD Bernard Durkan called for a section of emergency departments to be set aside for patients with substance abuse issues, noting they were 'banging on doors' and attracting attention ahead of other patients.

Patients waiting in emergency departments are being intimidated by other patients who are drunk or have taken illegal drugs, the Oireachtas health committee heard on Wednesday.

Fine Gael TD Bernard Durkan described hearing “appalling abuse” of patients and staff while waiting in some hospitals this summer.