Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Five weeks ago, I accompanied a relative who was attending the UHL accident and emergency unit. People go to reception, are triaged and must then wait for a long time, which I think they have come to expect. Eventually, they are seen in the accident and emergency unit. There is not enough follow-up done in the corridors while people are waiting. Deputies hear this repeatedly from constituents. Charts and sensitive data can be seen by anyone passing by on their way to the loo or shop. Visitors can see people using bedpans. There is no privacy in that environment. There are few people to check on those who are waiting or offer them a cup of tea and slice of toast, something that will perk them up and tide them over. People endure pain as they wait on a trolley to be treated. Very little happens after triage while people wait to be seen. They are left to wallow.