Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The HSE's submission is littered with references to reconfiguration. While that was Government policy, it was not Government policy to close three EDs and leave only one. There were 35 ED beds between the hospitals of UHL, Ennis, Nenagh and St. John's and overnight, the number was reduced to 17 ED beds. That was not policy. There were to be 136 co-location beds on the grounds of UHL. It was not policy to close the other EDs before the co-location beds were built. We have played catch-up ever since, so let me put the record straight. Reconfiguration in health is fine but we went from four EDs to one ED, so capacity reduced from 35 ED beds to 17 ED beds. These were local decisions that were made at the time so I want to see the following.

In terms of whatever submission that the HSE has submitted seeking resources, we deal with people on the ground so we know that the trolley count and the number of people on trolleys must be reduced to a manageable level. The trolley counts are growing at the moment. Whatever resources are required, and if the PMIU has been in and is saying that everything that can be done is being done, then the HSE must pony up with the money for UHL and the group to ensure that we can get the services, including community care in terms of stepdown. We, as public representatives, must ring the hospitals too much because people are approaching us. Last night, I was rung about an elderly man who had been left on a trolley for two days although he was looked after. I accept there are capacity issues but if resources are required I would expect, Dr. O'Connor, that the PMIU and the HSE will provide those resources. Yes, we need extra elective capacity. Can Professor Cowan tell me how many Nightingale beds are still in UHL?