Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I am afraid it involves much more than what is covered in the Minister's reply. Is she aware the report states patients cannot access routine basic care requirements such as food, water and washing facilities? Is she aware it further states patients get better despite the service, rather than as a result of the care they receive and that large numbers are managed in a site not fit for the purpose by persons not trained for the purpose? It also states it is a testament to the staff that no fatalities have resulted to date with medical patients. That is the import of the report.

Is the Minister not ashamed of conditions in hospitals such as this? Is she shamed by the content of the report? What is she doing about it? I have already asked what discussions she has had on the report. She mentioned the Teamwork report. Is she aware that under that report, it is proposed that medical facilities from Louth County Hospital be transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, thereby compounding the problems there? When the medical facility transfers to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, the accident and emergency unit will automatically follow. Is the Minister aware the intensive care unit will also transfer, compounding the problems in the Drogheda hospital where outpatients spill into the accident and emergency area? Accident and emergency patients have had to be housed in the maternity unit which is already at breaking point. The facilities in Drogheda are getting worse.

I would appreciate it if the Minister would address a serious issue I raised under Standing Order 31 last week. It concerns the Minister's view on these matters and on whether she should remain in her position. I raised the issue of her resignation and do so again today in a calm and measured manner. As long as these conditions persist in our hospitals, the Minister should consider her position carefully.

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