Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald TD has said that urgent government action is required to address the health crisis in Limerick and the Mid West.
The Dublin Central TD said government must end recruitment embargo in University Hospital Limerick and deliver 288 beds. Ms. McDonald also called for the government to immediately review the re-opening of emergency departments in Ennis and Nenagh.
Teachta McDonald said:
“Aoife Johnston’s death was an avoidable tragedy. My heartfelt and deepest sympathy is with her parents, Carol and James, family, friends, and loved ones at this time. I cannot imagine how devastating the loss of Aoife has been for them.
“Aoife and her family’s experience at University Hospital Limerick was one of acute trauma. They have had to relive that trauma this week, and no doubt relive it every day.
“Despite the clear dangers of sepsis outlined in a letter from her GP, and the categorisation of Aoife as requiring assessment within fifteen minutes, she was left waiting fifteen hours for treatment which came far too late.
“We have heard the harrowing testimony of Aoife’s family and from staff who were on duty that weekend. It is clear that Aoife’s death was a result of catastrophic system failure which resulted in an emergency department that was overcrowded, understaffed, and completely unsafe.
“Aoife’s case speaks in the most heartbreaking way to the depths of the crisis at University Hospital Limerick. The chaos in the emergency department that Aoife and her family faced that weekend is what faces patients and staff all the time.
“The hospital’s ‘full overcrowding’ alert was enacted every other day last year, and more than sixty days so far this year. The huge pressure on the hospital is untenable, unsustainable, and unacceptable.
“The coroner’s findings were stark and devastating and require an immediate response from the government.
“The recruitment embargo in University Hospital Limerick needs to be lifted and 288 beds need to be delivered. We also need the government to immediately review the re-opening of emergency departments in Ennis and Nenagh.
“Aoife Johnston’s memory must be honoured with determined action to sort out the health crisis in Limerick and the Mid West.”
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