With Record Numbers on Trolleys, Who Can Have Confidence in the Minister for Health?

With Record Numbers on Trolleys, Who Can Have Confidence in the Minister for Health? - Tóibín

Responding to news of unprecedented numbers of patients on hospital trolleys in A&E departments across the state, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD has stated:

“It is now almost a daily occurrence that the HSE and the health system are in the news. Yesterday was the worst day in the state’s history for hospital overcrowding, with 760 people waiting without beds in Irish hospitals. That figure has remained the same today.

“The most recent figures are shocking to see in this day and age. Doctor Laura Durcan’s revelation that there are 300 fewer hospital beds today than a decade ago, despite the increase in our population, is indicative of the incompetence of the Minister for Health and his inability or unwillingness to rectify the major structural defects in the health system.

“2019 had a record high of 118,367 patients waiting on A&E trolleys. That 2020 has begun with another record-breaking figure for hospital trolleys leaves us with no illusions about the on-going mismanagement of the health service.

“The Minister for Health’s assertion that he is ‘proud’ of what he has overseen in the health system is absolutely staggering. It is time for Simon Harris to resign. Who can honestly say that they have confidence in him as Minister for Health?

“The government’s defence of unprecedented trolley numbers has been to blame seasonal flu. Having contingency measures, like additional hospital beds, at winter time when flu predictably breaks out would be a straightforward action that could have been, and can still be, taken to offset the worst of the overcrowding. That contingency measures are not in place highlights, once again, the government’s lack of concern with the serious difficulties facing the health system.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.