Responding to figures released by the INMO which show that, since the beginning of January, there has been an average of 631 patients admitted without a bed each day, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, said this is the inevitable result of government failure.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“Overcrowding in hospitals is now an all-year-round crisis. However it peaks in the winter as demand increases and hospitals struggle without sufficient capacity. This happens year on year, and yet the government continues to fail to plan and invest.

“Sinn Féin would take a zero-tolerance approach to hospital trolleys. We would mandate best practice across Emergency Departments, invest in 5,000 new hospital beds and 2,000 community beds. We would also invest in radiology departments and laboratories to speed up access to diagnostics in ED’s.

“Crucially, we would also legislate for staff staffing levels and safely staff our hospitals. The lack of dignity afforded to patients and front line staff as a consequence of overcrowding is shocking and disrespectful. Overcrowding also compromises patient safety and increases the chance of loss of life.

“In October last year, I published a comprehensive plan to invest in health care, create greater efficiencies and improve access for patients. This government lacks the vision and the political will to deliver. I will continue to hold any incoming government to account and to champion better health care.

“Every effort needs to be made to properly support staff and patients. The predictable worsening of hospital overcrowding seems to have escaped the attention of this government as they cobble together another Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael government.”