Hospital numbers cause for concern
Current overcrowding being experienced in Tallaght University Hospital is a major concern for many considering the harshest winter months are yet to set in.
Fianna Fáil Dublin spokesperson and local TD, John Lahart has revealed that figures published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives’ Organisation indicate that 35 patients are on trolleys in the Emergency Department.
Tallaght University Hospital
He said, “Tallaght University Hospital is one of Ireland’s foremost teaching hospitals but this level of overcrowding is undoubtedly having a detrimental impact of the provision of care and ED services.
“As we approach the winter months when the incidence of influenza and other infections are higher, there should be a comprehensive plan in place to avoid any further escalation in the number of people receiving care on trolleys.
“Despite the fact that our local hospital also provides a wide range of clinical services at regional and national level there’s little or no vision from Government to assist with overcrowding.
“A harsh winter is on the way and we know that more people will be in need of hospital care or admission during this period.
“But the Health Minister Harris still has no real strategy to tackle existing overcrowding in any of the country’s leading hospitals in Dublin including Tallaght.
“We should be doing all it takes to avoid a repeat of last January’s chaos in Tallaght, when adult patients were forced with the indignity of receiving care on children’s hospital trolleys.
“Instead it seems the Government are simply hoping for the best and doing nothing,” Lahart concluded.
