Siptu is describing as unacceptable that ambulances are being delayed for up to seven hours outside emergency departments. It says the delays are happening because patients are not being discharged from ambulances into the care of nursing staff. It is demanding that the Health Minister, HSE and Department of Health take immediate steps to relieve pressure on its members. It is outrageous that in 2020 Ireland patients are being treated in the loading bays of hospitals instead of hospital beds. Mr Bell highlighted "absurd" incidents over the weekend, including crew members undertaking a 901km roundtrip during a 12-hour shift and ambulances from Kilkenny being dispatched to Cork.

Source: Irish Examiner January 06, 2020 07:36 UTC