This article is from page 13 of the 2006-05-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
THE Dáil has been told that Ennis General Hospital has reached crisis point, with Deputy Pat Breen (FG) describing conditions at the hospital as “appalling”.
The TD told deputies about recent shocking episodes at the hospital. These included:
• An elderly man with a heart condition who went to Limerick for tests and, upon his return, discovered that his bed was occupied. He had to stand for more than three hours because no chairs were available.
• A woman who presented to the hospital with a nose bleed. She was from west Clare and had travelled 40 miles to Ennis, yet after waiting several hours, was told to go to Limerick Regional Hospital.
“Today, 119 patients are occupying this 88-bed hospital, including six on trolleys and many more in day wards,” Deputy Breen said.
“That does not describe the discomfort, misery and loss of dignity suffered by patients who present for care. The waiting room is cramped and people are often forced to stand for hours due to the lack of seats. Despite these issues, we are told there is no crisis.”
But he stressed that medical staff were beyond reproach for operating in such conditions.
“Over the past 10 years, €20 million has been promised, but aside from a portakabin on the front lawn, not a penny has been spent in upgrading the hospital. The hospital does not even have a CT scan facility.”
Deputy James Breen (Ind) said that the accident and emergency department in Ennis was so crowded a few weeks ago that patients were put in the reception area.
“I tabled a question to the minister regarding whether there was a health and safety issue and she replied there was not. What would happen if a chair blocked an exit door to the chamber and a fire broke out?”
Deputy Breen said that if Clare’s Government TDs were happy with what was going on, they did not want to be returned at the next election.
“Thanks be to God the people of Clare were not conned and I am delighted they saw through the Government parties during the last election campaign. They will see through them again next year when I am returned to represent their interests and speak out on their behalf.”
In response, Deputy Sean Power stated that if Deputy Breen “had his way, he would also be a Fianna Fáil backbencher now”.