Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, has welcomed new figures published by the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly which shows a dramatic decrease in the numbers of patients on trolleys in Loughlinstown Hospital. Deputy Doyle said the improvements seen at St Columcille’s saw trolley numbers reduce by 36% compared to 2011 and by 40% against 2012 figures.
Deputy Doyle said, “I welcome this improvement for patients at St Columcille’s Hospital, which saw a dramatic reduction of trolley numbers of over 40% between January and September this year, compared with 2012 figures. This improvement has been replicated across the country with the national figures recording a substantial 32% reduction, which in real terms means there were 21,300 fewer people on trolleys this year, compared to 2011 when this Government came to office.”
“The previous Government let this issue spiral out of control, and failed to tackle this issue properly. There continues to be an unacceptable number of patients having to stay on trolleys during hospital stays. Reducing this number and tackling this problem remains a priority. This is why the Special Delivery Unit was established by the Minister in order to tackle this long term issue.”
“This initiative is working, with proof in the figures showing a substantial drop in the number of people waiting on trolleys. When you compare 2013 figures with 2011, we see a reduction in people on trolley’s at Loughlinstown Hospital of 36% – a drop well over a third of all patients. When you compare it to this time last year, this reaches over 40%. This trend we are seeing is going in the right direction.”
“I am delighted to see that, despite budgetary constraints and the economic challenges that are faced by everyone, that this Government has gotten to grips with the trolley crisis. While this number still remains too high, it is promising to see that progress is being made in our hospitals.”
“I’d like to commend the Minister on this initiative and everyone involved for their persistence in effectively tackling this problem. I will continue to work with all the stakeholders to ensure that further improvements are provided for hospital patients at St. Columcille’s”, concluded Deputy Doyle.