The H.S.E. has been explaining why the Mid West Regional Hospital
had the highest number of patients in the country on trolleys yesterday.
38 people were awaiting admission and all of these were acutely unwell,
according to a H.S.E. statement.
There were no delays due to patients awaiting Fair Deal home care packages.
One third of patients are presenting with respiratory and chest-related conditions
and the current crisis in admissions has continued for a week..
The pressure on A & E in Limerick is increased by patients from Clare and Tipperary
by-passing their local emergency centres in Nenagh and Ennis.
The H.S.E. acknowleges that the current position in the Mid west Regional A&E is inadequate.
Construction has begun on a new Emergency Dept. but that will take 2 years to complete.
