THERE were 137 patients waiting on trolleys last month at Kerry General Hospital, making it the worst October on record at the hospital.
The figures are also reflected nationally, prompting the Executive Council of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) to decide to commence a nationwide ballot, of all of its members working in Emergency Departments.
The INMO says such a level of overcrowding and understaffing is posing significant risks for the health and safety of nurses working in those departments.
Last month was the worst October, on record, with 7,971 admitted patients cared for on trolleys in the first 10 months of this year almost 80,000 admitted patients, were on trolleys, which is the highest ever figure for the first 10 months of any year since Trolley Watch began.
Kerry General Hospital’s figure of 137 is nearly double last year’s figure for October 2014 (72) and the previous record of 76 from October 2006.
Just a few weeks ago, Kerry General Hospital were advising non-urgent cases to see their GP before coming to the hospital, such was the pressure on services.
Speaking today INMO General Secretary Liam Doran said: “Our members have had enough, we believe patients have had more than enough and a campaign of action, including industrial action, is now necessary to secure the necessary measures to alleviate this crisis.
This campaign, when mandated by members, will demand the additional staffing and other measures necessary to recognise the current reality, minimise risk to patients and ensure the health and wellbeing of nursing staff in the frontline”.
The INMO on behalf of its members in Emergency Departments, must act to address this chronic overcrowding and its consequences for patients and staff. Therefore this campaign, and any industrial action that is found necessary, will consistently demand safe staffing and a safe working environment,” he said.
