Nurses must not block ward moves

The record number of 422 patients on trolleys in Accident and Emergency departments of our hospitals yesterday is the direct responsibility of health care officials, and the medical and nursing professions.

Health Minister Mary Harney had already produced a 10-point plan to rectify the situation.

Part of the solution is to free up beds in hospital wards by transferring those patients who belong in nursing homes rather than hospitals. The plan also provides for 300 new hospital beds.