Trolley crisis has become the ‘new normal’, says TD Smith

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has let the trolley crisis become the “new normal”, according to Labour health spokesperson, Duncan Smith TD.

Deputy Smith was talking after it was revealed that 704 patients were waiting for beds in hospitals over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

“The extraordinary levels of patients waiting on hospital beds over the weekend is outrageous,” he said.

“The peak of the triple threat of respiratory illnesses we had during the winter months has passed.

“To have 704 patients waiting for beds in May is endemic of a year round trolley crisis, creating a totally unsuitable environment for patients, workers and visitors.

“The INMO will host their national conference this week and there’s no doubt in my mind that we will hear harrowing stories from nurses and midwives on the frontline who feel they cannot provide the care patients needs.

“Across the full range of people who keep our hospitals going, from porters, to cleaners, to health care assistants, everyone is reporting immense pressure as a result of the trolley crisis.”

Deputy Smith said that “all workers deserve to work in a safe environment where they can deliver the excellent care that Irish patients receive.

“The INMO has kept this on the agenda, yet it continues to fall on deaf ears in the Department of Health.

“Covid changed everything for all hospital workers.

“These frontline staff attended to those battling illness, going above and beyond the call of duty.

“Government must come to the table with plans to expand Ireland’s healthcare workforce.

“We need to see serious change. The time is now. If we have 704 patients waiting on trolleys across the country today, I shudder to think what we are facing into for the winter months.”