Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Until yesterday the record for the number of patients admitted but without a bed at the Cork University Hospital was 90. This morning that record was broken when 92 patients were without a bed. Until this morning the record for patients admitted but without a bed at the Mercy University Hospital was 38. This morning that record was broken too. There were 40 patients at this hospital without a bed this morning. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation representative, Liam Conway, said this morning:

Our members are calling it for what it is inside the Mercy - dangerous. Patients are being cared for near exit doors and in areas blocking fire safety equipment, this is not acceptable.

Limerick was the capital city of hospital overcrowding. On the Taoiseach's watch, and on the watch of the three quiet men, namely, the Minister, Deputy Micheál Martin, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and the Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, that mantle seems to be passing to Cork University Hospital. It is not good enough. What actions does the Taoiseach intend to take to reverse the situation?

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