Stephen McMahon: Time for a new beginning with action, not promises, on hospital issues

Stephen Donnelly has promised another plan to tackle overcrowding in our hospitals. We need action, not more plans, writes Stephen McMahon, Non-Executive Director of the Irish Patients Association 

Patients on trolleys at the emergency department in University Hospital Limerick earlier this year. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is sending in a Performance Management Improvement Unit for four to six weeks in an effort to tackle overcrowding. Picture: David Raleigh

When I read Minister Stephen Donnelly’s statement about taking control of the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick, my initial reaction was, “Holy God, Minister — not another plan".

Reading the well-crafted statement, it appears a lot is happening now, but there have been red flashing lights about overcrowding for many years, from many informed sources, such as Hiqa, emergency consultants, nurses, advocates and politicians.