Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise the same issue as Deputy Mattie McGrath. Perhaps there will not be quite the same level of fire in the belly, as it were, but it is just as heartfelt. I raised the matter with the Minister last week and about three weeks ago with the Taoiseach. At the time the contract was put in place with the private hospitals, it was the right thing to do. In fact, it was the only thing to do. Circumstances have changed, however, and while we know we could be hit with a second or third wave, we have nonetheless put structures in place to help us contain, hopefully, a spike if it were to occur. The Minister stated a few moments ago that when circumstances have changed, one has to show intelligence and flexibility. It is beyond urgent that we put in place a system that maximises the capacity in our public and private hospitals. I get a sense, not from the Minister but from others, that there is intransigence here. It is about marking territory and, to some extent, about ideology. We just want a system that works for people.

We have many reasons for this. The figures released today that outlined the medical background of those who have, unfortunately, died from Covid tell us something, namely, that almost 84% of them had underlying conditions. That term "underlying conditions" strikes terror into the hearts of people but it has a human face. It is about heart issues, diabetes, cancer etc. Those chronic conditions require ongoing treatment and management, and many people are not getting that, which means they are at greater risk from Covid if they contract it. Think about all those people who are on waiting lists, perhaps for a biopsy or other urgent surgery, knowing that if they do not get it, they will end up with an underlying condition.

I said to the Minister last week that it is like a slow car crash. I ask him again to do whatever he can, because he is the person in charge, and to intervene to ensure that patients - non-Covid and Covid - can access the maximum capacity in our hospitals.

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