Fianna Fáil TD for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy says a 90-year-old woman who had to spend seven hours on a trolley at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe could easily have been attended to in Roscommon Hospital.
He says the episode is further evidence of “a health system which is unfit for purpose”.
Deputy Murphy said the woman was left waiting on a trolley for seven hours in Ballinasloe following an x-ray for a minor fracture.
“While the staff in Portiuncula were very kind to this lady, they are operating under very difficult circumstances and are under extreme pressure.
“This 90-year-old lady was transferred from x-ray to the A&E where she was left waiting for seven hours on a trolley. Understandably she was very distressed until a family member was able to arrive”.
Deputy Murphy said the woman was
discharged with an appointment to attend Merlin Park the following day where she was given the all clear.
“The question is – did this lady really need to be sent to the A&E at all? This type of thing is adding to unnecessary stress and anxiety for older and more vulnerable people. These type of interventions should be able to be provided in Roscommon Hospital”.
