Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Nurses and midwives are the cornerstone of our public healthcare system. Therefore, urgent action is needed to resolve this gigantic crisis situation. We are told by nurses who contact us that occupational health services are simply not available nationwide. Nurses report that there are long waiting times for appointments. This situation is a clear indication that our public healthcare system is under-resourced in regard to staffing. We need an urgent and planned funding allocation for the implementation of safe staffing throughout the health service and the introduction of measures to reduce pressure on hospitals. There were 688 patients on trolleys in October in Cork University Hospital. At the start of the pandemic, the HSE stated there would be zero tolerance of overcrowding, but here we are in a situation where our hospitals are no longer just full, but are completely overcrowded. We have not seen a detailed winter plan from the HSE. Winter is no longer a time coming down the tracks; it is already upon us. Having spoken to many doctors in recent months, it has become clear that almost all of them would not be surprised if the number of people on waiting lists increases to well beyond 1 million in the coming months. This indicates that we have little confidence in the approach of the Minister or the HSE in tackling these waiting lists.

There is a lack of chiropody and dental services in towns, with Bantry being without these services for different reasons. The provision of chiropody services for public patients has ceased because the chiropodist who retired has not been replaced as a result of funding issues between the HSE and chiropodists. Dental services are no longer available to public patients either. Bantry is not the only area experiencing these difficulties and it is a matter that must be urgently addressed.

The motion being debated relates to nurses and midwives. We must pay tribute to them for the excellent and hard work they have done with the people and for saving many lives. They deserve our utmost praise in this House.

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