Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The response from the HSE is not acceptable. First, it contradicts itself. As I said, the medical assessment unit was provided to alleviate the pressures on the emergency department. The HSE has pretty much said in its response that the medical assessment unit was closed because the hospital was so busy. What sort of chaos or mismanagement is that? If it was provided to alleviate pressure on the emergency department, but management is deciding to shut it as soon as the hospital is busy, common sense will dictate that this must lead to overcrowding in the accident and emergency department. Last Tuesday week, 217 patients had to wait all day and through the night. The medical assessment unit was closed. I cannot make up my mind about whether this is happening because of chaos, mismanagement, or both. I would be interested to know whether the Minister thinks it is either or both.

We have been discussing the crisis at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for many years. This problem has been further compounded by the decision of the previous Government to remove services from the minor injuries unit of Louth County Hospital, which currently has two registrars who cannot see children under the age of 14 to deal with minor ailments they might have. The Minister has previously given us a commitment to restore those services. Can he tell us when that will happen? All of these cutbacks are compounding the crisis at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Will the Minister ask the HSE or the senior management at the hospital to give a commitment not to shut down the medical assessment unit again, as such a closure would result in a repeat of the crisis we have seen in the emergency department this week?

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