Thomas Pringle TD
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Pringle calls on Government to address hospital overcrowding in light of rise in Covid cases

Pringle calls on Government to address hospital overcrowding in light of rise in Covid cases

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has called on Government to do all it can to address pressure on healthcare workers, given last week’s significant increase in Covid-19 positive admissions and attendances at Letterkenny University Hospital.

Addressing the Tánaiste in the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “There were 84 patients with Covid-19 being treated in the hospital last Wednesday, and 11 wards were affected by Covid-19 outbreaks.

“This will no doubt increase even more, following the bank holiday weekend just gone,” he said.

The deputy said the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has called for the HSE to declare the current overcrowding in hospitals an emergency situation until Easter at the earliest.

Deputy Pringle said: “I would like to echo these calls.” He raised the issue with the Tánaiste today during Questions on Promised Legislation.

The deputy said: “It is obvious that there is a link between mask wearing and reduced transmission of Covid-19. Removing the requirement to wear a mask is clearly having a detrimental impact on our hospitals. This needs to be addressed,Tánaiste.”

Deputy Pringle asked: “Will your government declare the current overcrowding in hospitals an emergency situation, and will you do all you can to address the pressure our healthcare workers are under and ensure that day surgeries can continue?”