The proposed closure of accident and emergency services in Portlaoise will undoubtedly put lives at risk, according to Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin.
Following media reports of a proposal put to the HSE to downgrade emergency trauma services at Portlaoise hospital, Deputy O’Loughlin has called on all Kildare and Laois TDs to vehemently oppose any downgrades to the facility.
South Kildare TD, Fiona O’Loughlin, has warned that any reduction in services at Portlaoise Hospital will seriously impact on Laois and Kildare residents, and result in an increased workload on the already overburdened A&E Department at Naas General Hospital.
“Tullamore or Tallaght will be the main options if this was go go ahead.
“Tallaght Hospital is a at least 30 minutes from the Newbridge area and over an hour for people living in Laois, assuming one has transport!
“A full accident and emergency service must be retained at this facility.
Risk
“To cease A&E services in Portlaoise would undoubtedly put lives at risk and must be resisted at all costs,” she said.
“I understand that almost 38,000 patients attend A&E services in Portlaoise with the ambulance services seriously stretched.
“Any reduction in services here will cause detrimental delays to patients south of Kildare and across Laois seeking emergency treatment.
“And I do not need to remind the Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD that Naas and Tullamore emergency departments are already under serious pressure, as is Tallaght Hospital. We need more permanent staff appointments in all these facilities, not a reduction in services,” Deputy O’Loughlin said.
She noted that on Wednesday, there were 19 people waiting on trolleys in Naas hospital along with the umpteen amounts of people waiting to be seen.
“Added to this, Kildare has one of the highest suicide rates per county but one of the lowest investments in mental health supports and services. And now, the A&E department in Portlaoise is under threat?” she said.
Neglect
“How long can we continue to blatantly neglect our health services and in particular, our mental health support services which in Kildare are pretty poor.
“I am calling on Minister for Health Simon Harris to give a firm commitment to maintain services and will be seeking clarity from the Minister on same this week,” she said.
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