Dublin South West Sinn Fein TD, Seán Crowe, has described the unprecedented Trolley Watch figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), which show over 50,000 patients on trolleys, as further proof that the current health system is broken.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“The Trolley Watch figures released by the INMO for May now show that the number of patients on trolleys is surpassing 2017 levels, which in itself was the worst year since records began for patients on trolleys.

“The number of patients on trolleys in May was 9,091, which is an increase of 937 on May of last year and is the highest figure ever for this summer month.

“The figures for this year are following a definite and negative trend, highlighting once again that the system is broken. In the first five months of this year the grand total of people left on trolleys in the hospital system is a staggering 51,910 individuals.

“The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, claims that he is addressing the situation but the reality is he is not up to the job.

“Simon Harris’ tenure in his job as Minister for Health is coming up its two year mark. Throughout his   reign three of the biggest issues in the health service have continuously escalated– patients on trolleys, waiting lists, and the recruitment and retention drive hasn’t delivered the numbers needed.

“He has also ignored the implementation of the Sláintecare Report, ignored the bed capacity review, ignored Dáil motions proposing solutions to the mounting trolley debacle, the growing waiting lists, and the recruitment and retention failure.

“Clearly the unprecedented figures show the current health system is broken and the current Minister incapable or unable to resolve the unprecedented trolley and health crisis.”

ENDS