A&E trolley crisis protest planned

Over 100 patients across the State spent another day on trolleys in overcrowded hospital accident and emergency departments yesterday…

Over 100 patients across the State spent another day on trolleys in overcrowded hospital accident and emergency departments yesterday.

With the A&E crisis continuing, the new Patients Together lobby group announced a major protest in Dublin next Saturday.

The group - formed by relatives of patients who have had lengthy spells on trolleys, and health professionals - wants hundreds of extra hospital beds to alleviate the current difficulties.

Its spokeswoman, Ms Janette Byrne, said Saturday's protest would take place at 2 p.m. from the Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square to the Dáil. She called on people to support the protest by demonstrating outside their A&E unit at the same time.

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"We are a non-political group and have no political agenda. We are simply the people of this country who want a better health service," she added.

The Irish Nurses Organisation claimed there were up to 130 patients on trolleys yesterday. Hospitals in Cork and Galway were under greater pressure thaneven some of the main Dublin hospitals.

There were 14 patients on trolleys in the A&E unit of Galway's University College Hospital early in the day and, while beds were found for many later, the pressure resulted in some elective surgery having to be cancelled.There were a further 16 patients on trolleys in Cork University Hospital's A&E department yesterday morning.

Patients Together has been seeking a meeting with the Tánaiste and Health Minister, Ms Harney. A spokesman for the Minister said, last night, it would take place on Friday, November 5th.