31/01/2012

Trolley Improvements Despite Cutbacks 'Dramatic'

A Fine Gael TD has described a 60% reduction in the number of people on trolleys at Wexford General Hospital (WGH) as "dramatic".

Wexford Deputy, Dr Liam Twomey, said on Tuesday said that the reduction of patients left on trolleys was a "firm indication" that the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) and the Government’s health policy was working despite difficult times.

“Figures revealed to me show that between 3rd – 25th January 2012 there were 92 people on trolleys at Waterford General Hospital," Dr Twomey said. He added "That’s down from 228 people the same time last year. That is a reduction of a 60% or 136 fewer people on trolleys."

“Since the establishment of the SDU last June, there has been a dramatic improvement in the number of people waiting on hospital trolleys. And this has been happening against a backdrop of a €1 billion cut in the healthcare budget.

Mr Twomey said the SDU had been working tirelessly with hospitals on the ground to reduce the number of people on trolleys and to ensure that target times for elective treatment waiting lists are met.

"These figures are proof that the strategy is working. More encouragingly, they are being replicated across the country with the total trolley figures at the end of 2011 being reduced by 27%."

(DW)

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