OVERCROWDING AT UHG HITS CRISIS POINT AGAIN

Date Published: 02-Nov-2011

The overcrowding crisis at University Hospital Galway is getting worse.

There are now 51 people waiting on trolleys at the Accident and Emergency Department at the city hospital, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

UHG has the highest number of people waiting on trolleys at any hospital in the country today.

There are a further 10 people on trolleys at the A&E Department at Portiuncula Hospital.

The Nurses Union says it's impossible to provide adequate care to patients and is describing the situation as a "disgrace" and "deplorable".

Full capacity protocol has been implemented yet again, while vacant beds remain closed.

Meanwhile, future cost containment measures for Galway Hospitals are to be discussed at a special meeting this evening.

The meeting is being held by the Health Service Executive in Dublin to debate the measures needed for the HSE Western area.