James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

An average of 293 patients were on trolleys to date in February 2009. That is an Irish Nurses Organisation figure. The average number in February 2008 was 244. In February 2007 it was 297, and it was 332 in February 2006. In March 2006 the Minister declared the situation in accident and emergency services to be a national emergency. Last year the Minister closed 500 beds and this year she intends to close another 600 beds. The Minister has rationalised eleven accident and emergency departments, cut front line and agency staff and critical overtime. In addition, more than 100 long-stay and respite beds are being closed at locations that include the Orchard Nursing Home, Bray, Bethany House, Carlow, St. Patrick's Hospital, Waterford and Heatherside Hospital in Buttevant, County Cork. I was in Waterford last week.

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