Major improvement in overcrowding at Mullingar ED

The number of patients treated on trolleys at the Emergency Department at MRH Mullingar has fallen by over 60 per cent in the first five months of the year.

That's according to figures obtained by Depurty Robert Troy from his party colleague, Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, which show that Mullingar Hospital has recorded a reduction in patients on trolleys of 63 per cent.

Nationwide, the number of patients on trolleys in the first five months of the year was down 14% compared to the same period last year. This means that 7,800 fewer patients were waiting on a hospital bed, even though 62,000 more patients presented to Emergency Departments compared to last year.

Deputy Troy said: “The reduction of patients on trolleys in Mullingar Hospital by 63 per cent in the first five months of this year highlights the improvements being made in our health service.

“The reduction is thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff throughout Mullingar Hospital, its Emergency Department and community services.

“In government we have delivered an unprecedented increase in funding to our health service over the last four years, with more staff and more hospital beds now than ever before and I want to thank all those working in hospital and community settings.

“Fianna Fáil’s goal in government is to ensure all patients can access beds when they need them.

“While we are making real progress in reducing Emergency Department overcrowding, we are committed to doing better in tackling hospital waiting lists and identifying ways to improve access to care.”