Hospital trolley numbers described as ‘crisis’

A LOCAL TD has described the number of patients lying on trollies waiting for treatment at Connolly Hospital as

“a crisis

?.

Statistics from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) on January 21 showed 37 patients on trollies, one of the highest figures in the country that day.

The HSE admitted the hospital has been experiencing

“pressures

? since Christmas but told Northside People action was being taken to tackle the problem.

However, local TD, Patrick Nulty (Ind), said it was unacceptable for any patient to be left on a trolley.

“This is a crisis,

? he said.

“It is simply unacceptable for one single person to be left on a trolley and for our local hospital to have the unfortunate position of near the top of this league is a cause of major concern to all residents.

?

Deputy Nulty pointed the finger of blame for inaction on the matter at fellow local TDs and Government ministers, Joan Burton and Leo Varadkar, and HSE management.

“The lack of action on the part of both local ministers on this issue demonstrates that their concern for the hospital seems to be more closely related to the electoral cycle rather than the needs of patients and their families,

? he continued.

“We need to re-open beds that are closed, lift the recruitment embargo to recruit vacant posts and move to a greater focus on community care. That is the solution but the government ministers and HSE management are failing to act.

?

The HSE has denied any beds are closed at the Dublin 15 hospital and said it was taking action to reduce an increased number of patients on trollies caused by post-Christmas pressure.

“Connolly Hospital has been experiencing pressures in recent weeks, in part as a result of the seasonal flux in hospital activity that traditionally takes place after Christmas/New Year,

? a spokesperson said.

“While Connolly Hospital has experienced an increase in the number of patients waiting on trolleys for admission, the hospital remains committed to prioritising this issue and are pursuing a number of actions in this regard.

?

The HSE said 11 additional beds have been opened and a surgical day ward is currently being used to accommodate patients to help ease some of the pressure.

“Currently there are no beds closed in Connolly Hospital,

? the spokesperson continued.

“When beds closed in 2010 it was part of the cost containment plan but also due to staffing deficits.

“Those beds have now all reopened over the last two years with some of the capacity utilized for development of an acute medical assessment unit.

“A comprehensive Performance Improvement Plan is underway in Connolly Hospital to target the on-going trolley waits in the Emergency Department.

“The plan was launched in June 2013 and is multidisciplinary and involves all professional groups within the organisation. The plan is supported by the Special Delivery Unit.

?