Alternative space must be found for Naas A&E patients – Durkan

Following a visit today to the A&E in Naas General Hospital, Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Bernard Durkan, has emphasised the seriousness of the situation and said that alternative space must be found for A&E patients.

“The situation in the A&E at Naas General Hospital is very serious with more than 40 patients on trolleys in corridors, around the reception and in any available vacant space. The situation risks becoming unsafe for patients and staff who are trying valiantly to meet the ever increasing demand.

“This type of overcrowding could be a safety hazard, and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Alternative accommodation must be found even including looking at the older decommissioned space in the hospital that could be temporarily brought back into use for the period of this emergency, in order to relieve the pressure on space in A&E.

“I wish to compliment all the staff for their commitment to their jobs in such challenging circumstances and today I have asked Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar to personally intervene.”