Overcrowding at LUH raised in the Dail as TDs accept SF motion on trolleys

The Dáil last night approved a Sinn Féin motion calling for a more proactive approach to hospital overcrowding.
The party called on the Health Minister to re-open all hospital beds closed as part of austerity cuts, and improve pay and conditions for healthcare staff.
The Health Minister Simon Harris said the government would not oppose the motion, and that he agreed with much of its content.
The campaign for the reopening of a 19 bed short stay ward at Letterkenny University Hospital is one of the issues to be discussed during the Commencement Debate in the Seanad this afternoon.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fail raised the issue of overcrowding at Letterkenny University Hospital’s Emergency Department in the Dail yesterday.
Speaking following the exchange, Donegal Deputy Charlie McConalogue says; “Overcrowding has been a major issue at the hospital over the past year, with the full capacity protocol being implemented a number of times.”
Last Wednesday the hospital had the highest number of patients on trolleys in the entire country, with 43 people waiting for a bed and returned the third highest figure yesterday with 36 patients awaiting admission.
Deputy McConalogue says overcrowding will not be improved until bed capacity is increased.