Recent trolley count figures that revealed an 8% increase in hospital overcrowding are undeniable evidence of the impact of Government austerity and a failed approach to healthcare, according to local TD Seán Crowe.

The Tallaght based representative said that a new ‘Tweedle Dee’ or ‘Tweedle Dum’ Health Minister will not solve the problem but a change of approach and a new Government would.

Deputy Seán Crowe said;

“Figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation confirm an 8% increase in hospital overcrowding in July of this year as compared to this time last year. They also confirm that many wards, in addition to Emergency Departments, are overcrowded on a regular basis.

“This practice of putting extra beds on wards increases pressure on hospital staff and inevitably undermines patient safety.

“It is all too common to hear patients and their families descriptions of A& E wards as resembling a war zone. Patients stuck in corridors on trolleys or in chairs trying desperately to get into the hospital system for treatment while others are in left in situ because of the lack of step down bed facilities.

“Accident & Emergency overcrowding is a direct result of this Government’s long term and day to day decisions. Despite the efforts of their much lauded Special Delivery Unit, the reality is that this Government has continued in the same vein as the last. They have implemented health budget cuts to the tune of €4 billion which have included a reduction of staff numbers by more than 15,000.

“Behind the latest crisis in A&Es are desperate, sick, and in some cases seriously ill patients. Its clear that a change of a ‘Tweedle Dee’ or a ‘Tweedle Dum’ Health Minister will not solve the problem. We also need a change of Government and a change of approach.”

ENDS