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Overcrowding at Letterkenny
University Hospital
07.01.20
FOR the second day in a
row, 760 patients are waiting without beds in
Ireland’s hospitals, matching yesterday’s record
highest daily figure. The number of patients on
trolleys at Letterkenny University Hospital has
risen from 37 yesterday to 47 today.
The worst-hit hospitals include:
University Hospital Limerick – 75
University Hospital Galway – 51
Letterkenny University Hospital - 47
Cork University Hospital – 47 |
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47 patients are waiting without beds
at Letterkenny University Hospital. |
The Irish Nurses and
Midwives Organisation (INMO) has written to the
Minister for Health calling for:
• A declaration of a major incident at the
worst-affected hospitals;
• Immediate approval for all posts awaiting sign-off
in nursing and midwifery across all acute hospitals;
• Cancellation of elective procedures in the
worst-affected hospitals;
• An infection control plan;
• Closure to non-emergency admissions in
worst-affected hospitals;
• Sourcing of additional beds in the private and
voluntary sectors;
• An end to the recruitment ban.
The union is also seeking previously agreed funding
for the Safe Staffing Framework, to bring staffing
levels to safe levels to help ease overcrowding and
improve patient outcomes. Otherwise, the INMO warns,
the risks to patient safety will continue throughout
2020.
INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, said:
“This extreme overcrowding presents a clear danger
to patients and staff alike. It requires immediate
political intervention to stabilise our hospitals.
“760 patients on trolleys means the health service
is simply not functioning. The longer this level of
overcrowding continues, the greater the threats to
patient safety.” |
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