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McGrath and Broughan in hospital row

Wednesday, 16 July 2008

TWO prominent Northside TDs have become embroiled in a bitter row over waiting lists at Beaumont Hospital.
And Dublin North East TD Tommy Broughan (Lab) is calling on Dublin North Cental TD Finian McGrath (Ind) to withdraw his support for the coalition Government over the crisis.
According to Deputy Broughan, there are currently 35 people waiting for orthopaedic treatment at Beaumont, six of whom have been waiting over a year.
While demanding proper resourcing for Beaumont, he slammed the Government and, in particular, Deputy McGrath.
“It is simply not acceptable that 35 people are waiting for essential orthopaedic treatment at Beaumont Hospital,” Deputy Broughan stated.
“The staff at Beaumont provides an outstanding service for all patients.
“But adequate resources are not being provided for the hospital which serves not just my constituents in Dublin North East, but a huge catchment area right across the Northside and beyond.
“There have also been ongoing issues with inadequate resources for the A&E department and other services such as physiotherapy at Beaumont.”
Deputy Broughan said that in just five different areas of medical speciality, there are thousands of people waiting over a year for their appointment.
“It is particularly disappointing to see the waiting list for orthopaedic services in Beaumont Hospital given that local Deputy, Finian McGrath, is providing critical support to keep this Government in power, even with their shameful record on providing support for the health service,” he added.
“Deputy McGrath appeared to indicate that his support for the Government was dependent upon enhanced services for his constituents and especially more resources for health and medical services at Beaumont.”
Deputy McGrath hit back at the comments and told Northside People that Deputy Broughan ought to stop blaming him and give some support to people who are trying to improve hospitals.
"Tommy Broughan conveniently ignores the facts,” Deputy McGrath claimed.
“Since I did my deal with the Government, I have won major improvements.
“There have been 110 staff members appointed to frontline services in Beaumont Hospital and an extra e2.5 million extra in the budget for cystic fibrosis services.
“I have negotiated 117 new employees in frontline services since September 5, 2007, for the Northside, despite the HSE embargo.”
Deputy McGrath pointed out that there is also a new hospital about to be built at Beaumont, costing e254 million, which will be employing 504 staff.
“This will have the capacity to treat 44,824 outpatients and 8,782 inpatients each year,” he added.
“Deputy Broughan should row in behind these solutions and stop moaning by blaming Finian McGrath and the Greens who are trying their best.
“I will continue to fight for and deliver better services to the Northside.”
A spokesman for Beaumont told Northside People that the hospital regrets that any patient has to wait for any of their services and will seek to minimalise waiting lists to the best of their ability.
“This will include referral of patients to the National Treatment Purchase Fund where appropriate and possible,” the spokesman said.

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