Seven ambulances backed up outside hospital

SEVEN ambulances were reported to be backed up last night at Mayo University Hospital waiting to admit patients.

It has led to a call from Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald for the expansion of the emergency department at the hospital.

Deputy McDonald was in Mayo today for a number of engagements with Senator Rose Conway-Walsh and Midlands North West MEP Matt Carthy.

She commented: “In a week where we have already seen a Code Black in Cork University Hospital and a record number of patients on trolleys in University Hospital Limerick, we now hear of seven ambulances backed up outside Mayo University Hospital waiting to admit patients to accident and emergency.

“It is clear that the hospital overcrowding crisis is escalating beyond control.

“In Limerick, we saw a ward with 17 beds locked with chains and a padlock while 81 patients were waiting on trolleys for a bed.

“In Mayo, patients are still awaiting the much needed and promised expansion of the accident and emergency department. This needs to happen without any further delay.

“It is clear that the government is entirely out of touch and the Minister for Health is out of his depth. They cannot get a handle on the overcrowding crisis.

“The health service is at breaking point. We have a crisis in capacity which warrents radical action immediately.”