Outrage as Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda was forced to close its doors after severe overcrowding in its A&E Department

There is controversy this morning as Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda was was forced to shut down its doors on Thursday night due to severe overcrowding in its emergency department.

The news has caused widespread anger amongst the Irish Nurses and Midwives Association who say the A&E department could not cope with the number of patients on trolleys who were waiting for a bed. The INMO say that around 71 patients were on trolleys in the A&E department in the hospital on Thursday evening.

However, the HSE have since disputed the INMO’s claims saying there was only 48 patients on trolleys. The INMO say the appalling situation forced staff in the hospital’s A&E to go off-call for emergencies from midnight on Thursday night. Although it is understood the department has since resumed its normal service.

The news of the hospital’s A&E closure has angered Sinn Fein leader and Louth TD Gerry Adams who claimed the situation was a “humanitarian and health crisis which is placing patient safety at serious risk”. Mr Adams said: “On Thursday, Our Lady Of Lourdes hospital had the highest number of patients on trolleys in the State. “Despite the hard work and diligence of staff this happens every week. The crisis has its roots in the drastic cuts to services in Louth County Hospital.”

Mr Adams added: “These include the closure of its accident and emergency department and the mismanagement of funding and management resources to the health service by this Government and by Fianna Fail before it.” The Lourdes was back on call from 8am on Friday.”

Meanwhile Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda has since released a statement regarding the recent A&E closure saying: “Discharges are due at the hospital today with consultants on rounds since 7am.”The hospital went off call at midnight last night to ensure safety of staff and patients with 48 on trolleys and not the higher reported number claimed.”

“Last night was a particularly busy night at its emergency department with many of the people requiring a bed.”A second on-call system has been put in place by the RCSI Hospital Group, of which Our Lady of Lourdes is part.”

“It is managing pressures and using all its hospitals to assist ones under pressure, with Cavan, Beaumont and Blanchardstown within the group.”