The decision to use surgical day ward beds at University Hospital to accommodate an overflow from the emergency department has sparked an angry reaction as it has resulted in cancellation of elective surgeries and day wards have not been protected due to lack of additional capacity.
Kerry TD Pa Daly said the ultimate responsibility for cancellation of day procedures at the facility lies with government.
“With 30 patients on trolleys in UHK, the hospital is 60 patients over capacity. It currently has over 150 patients in total, many of whom are elderly, presenting to A+E with illnesses such as respiratory conditions,” he said.
Deputy Daly maintains that the contributory factors to this crisis include government failure to establish the community hubs due to the recruitment embargo.
Furthermore, a minor injuries clinic, which could help ease the problems in the emergency department, has not been brought on line.
“There is a clear need for more capacity but there is still no confirmation of funding for UHK’s requested 128 additional single beds.
“The frustrating thing is that these shortages have happened regularly over the past four years and the government has not addressed the issue.
“Dozens of Kerry patients will now have to wait until the spring for their elective surgery to be carried out,” Deputy Daly complained.
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