REACTING to figures showing that the number of patients treated on hospital trolleys in August 2021 stands at 823 people, Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan, has criticised the Government and the Department of Health for its failure to take action to address the crisis.
The Limerick TD commented:
“This has been a really tough month for patients and staff at the University Hospital Limerick. Staffing and overcrowding are ever present at the hospital. In the month of August to date, 823 people have been treated on hospital trolleys at University Hospital Limerick. This is an 18% increase on the numbers treated on trolleys in August 2020. These figures demonstrate how little progress has been made on resolving the crisis at University Hospital Limerick.”
“I have raised the issues of overcrowding and capacity issues time and time again with the Minister for Health and other Ministers in the government. Their failure to act suggests that they are happy with allowing the perpetual treatment of patients on hospital trolleys. The staff at the hospital deserve better. They work hard in an already challenging environment. The challenges they face are compounded by the capacity crisis at the hospital. Having to conduct your work in an overcrowded setting, with the risk of the pandemic ever present, must be particularly draining for these great professionals.”
The Sinn Féin TD continued:
“If the numbers continue in this vain then very shortly our hospital staff will be exhausted. Winter will approach and this will bring its own seasonal challenges. The staff at the hospital, from the doctors to the cleaning staff, are getting no support from the government. This crisis needs be eased yet the Minister for Health has failed to act despite repeating urging.
Concluding his comments, Deputy Quinlivan stated:
“The government cannot ignore that we have a health crisis, particularly here in Limerick at UHL. We have a capacity problem and yet there are still no concrete plans for the delivery of the necessary number of beds and staff to our health services. Under this Health Minister, trolley numbers have increased. Under this Minister, being treated on a trolley is becoming the norm and not the unfortunate exception. It is high time for the Minister for Health to outline to the people of Limerick when and how he intends to address this long festering problem.”
