Garda operation targeting traffic offences after alarming number of road deaths

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October 18, 2021

University Hospital Galway has said that COVID-19 outbreaks at the hospital are contributing to long waiting times at the Emergency Department.

UHG apologised for the delays and said that the hospital is currently dealing with COVID outbreaks on two wards.

At 4pm today there were 39 patients with COVID-19 being treated in the hospital.

There has been a significant increase in very sick patients presenting to UHG who need to be admitted for treatment.

As a result of the ongoing pressures and lack of bed capacity, a number of elective procedures are being postponed. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

Time sensitive and urgent cases will not be impacted when it is safe to do them. The situation is being kept under constant review.

Patients are currently experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.

The hospital has acknowledged that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and has apologised for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.

Given the volume of patients attending the Emergency Department, the hospital is asking the public to contact their GP during normal surgery hours or the Westdoc GP Out of Hours service in the first instance if their health problem is not urgent.

In addition, the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm every day to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.

The hospital says it is committed to treating everyone who presents at the ED; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.

As part of the hospital’s COVID-19 measures, they are also asking that patients wait in the ED alone to help maintain social distancing. A companion will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

COVID-19: 1,578 more cases in Ireland today

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October 18, 2021

Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

There have been a further 1,578 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning 484 people in the country were hospitalised with COVID.

Of these patients, 73 have been admitted to intensive care units for treatment.

Ireland’s five day moving average is now 1,736 new cases per day.

Just over 150,000 tests have been carried out in Ireland in the past week, with a positivity rate of 8.6 percent.

The COVID-19 data hub provides information on the key indicators of the disease in the community, including the rollout of the vaccine campaign.

Galway Simon supported 646 households in 2020

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October 18, 2021

galway simon community charity report during covid-19

Galway Simon Community’s annual report has revealed that the charity supported 646 local households last year through its Homelessness Prevention and Housing Services.

The figures were included in Galway Simon’s 2020 Annual Report today which revealed that a total of 1,216 individuals were supported by the charity throughout 2020.

Orla Hegarty, UCD Assistant Professor and Architect, was keynote speaker at the virtual launch of the report and said that the past two years have brought into sharp focus the importance of home, and the value of community.

She said that in the toughest of times the work of Galway Simon could not stop, and people stepped up and did even more.

“Home is security and a place of safety, but it gives people the independence and dignity to move on with their lives. Galway Simon are to be commended for this important work,” said Orla Hegarty.

Galway Simon Community’s CEO Karen Golden outlined details of the charity’s 2020 Annual Report, highlighting the challenges faced by the organisation as they focused on keeping their clients, staff and volunteers safe from COVID-19 throughout the year.

As the crisis escalated, the charity responded by putting an Emergency Response Team in place to oversee the response to COVID-19 across their services.

Despite what the charity referred to as ‘a hugely challenging period’, it still remained connected with its clients throughout the pandemic, helping people to find solutions that either ended their homelessness or averted the risk of them becoming homeless.

“It is difficult to convey the incredible response of our clients, staff and volunteers and the deep commitment to keeping each other safe which permeated our community throughout the year,” Karen Golden said.

“The vocational element to our work shone very brightly, as staff and volunteers pulled out all the stops to ensure both the physical and mental wellbeing of our clients were protected.”

Despite dealing with what the charity referred to as ‘a crisis on top of a crisis’, they supported 646 households through their Homelessness Prevention and Housing Services which included a total of 1,216 individuals.

The charity’s Homelessness Prevention Services in particular saw a 7% increase in demand compared to the previous year, that Galway Simon say was reflective of the effect the pandemic had on the community.

One such person who was supported by Galway Simon last year was Paul (not his real name) who was offered housing and support through Galway Simon’s Housing First Service in April 2020. Paul described his experience of being supported by Galway Simon Community as ‘priceless’.

“I lived in America for a good number of years. I was married and lived extremely well. I was a trainer to senators, congressmen and lobbyists. So, I’ve been from one extreme to the other,” said Paul.

“Simon put my name forward for all of this. They knew me for years. I’m not homeless anymore, it took me five or six months to get that sense, I have become used to it again, and that took time. Simon put trust in me, and had faith in me when no one would. That’s priceless.”

Closing out their Annual Report launch, Karen Golden acknowledged the extraordinary collective effort across the entire community which enabled Galway Simon to keep their clients, staff and volunteers safe throughout the pandemic while continuing to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the West.

“The phenomenal community spirit here in the West of Ireland is part of our DNA. We were heartened throughout the pandemic by the imaginative and significant support we received from our funders, supporters and volunteers. It was this support that enabled us to continue our work throughout 2020.”

Boil Water Notice for 800 people in Glenamaddy lifted

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October 18, 2021

Galway Daily news Kinvara Boil Water Notice

A Boil Water Notice issued for 800 people on the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply, in place for almost three weeks, has been lifted today.

Irish Water has said that the water is now safe to drink following repair works at the treatment plant, and further water quality testing.

The water safety notice was issued for people living in the areas of Glenamaddy, Cloonminda, Bushtown and the Knockmascahill Group Water Scheme on September 30.

The Boil Water Notice was put in place due to a deterioration in raw water quality at Glenamaddy Water Treatment Plant.

Tim O’Connor of Irish Water, said “Irish Water acknowledges and understands the impact of this Boil Water Notice on the 800 people supplied by the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply and we sincerely regret any inconvenience caused.”

“We are grateful to the media, elected representatives and members of the community who shared the information. Irish Water’s priority is the provision of safe, clean drinking water and safeguarding that water supply for the future is a vital focus.”

GUH seeks volunteers for Patient Council

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October 18, 2021

Galway Daily news Plans submitted for community nursing unit at Merlin Park Hospital

Galway University Hospitals (GUH) are looking for volunteers to be part of the Patient Council as some members of the current council are nearing the end of their term.

The Patient Council works with GUH to identify opportunities to improve the care experience for patients, families and caregivers when using the services of both UHG and Merlin Park Hospital.

The Council has an advisory role, making recommendations which will try to embed the patient voice throughout the organisation and for that voice to be incorporated in organisational activities.

Chris Kane, General Manager at Galway University Hospitals, said that they are very grateful for the contribution and commitment of the previous Patient Council.

She said that they play a key role in helping us shape what we do and how we do it.

“It is a valued link with the community we serve and assists our staff greatly by providing a patient’s perspective on the services we provide,” said Ms Kane.

“As the current Council’s term will shortly come to an end, we welcome applications from anyone interested in joining the Council.

“We would particularly like to hear from people who have had direct contact with our hospital as a patient or relative and would like to contribute to improving the health services we provide and patients’ experience in Galway University Hospitals.”

Between seven and ten people participate in the Council and work with the Hospital Management team. The Council meet bi-monthly with a minimum of six meetings per calendar year.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Patient Council or would like to find out more about what the role entails, please call 091-542517 or email ellen.wiseman@hse.ie

Sixteen pubs in Galway killed off by pandemic

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October 18, 2021

galway daily news Expansion plans for popular city centre pub

Sixteen pubs in Galway have been forced to permanently close their doors since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and Licenced Vintners’ Association (LVA) there has been a 5% drop in the number of pub licences renewed in the past year and a half, a loss of 349 pubs around the country.

The two organisations say that this is an indicator of the extreme distress that public health restrictions have caused the sector, ahead of the planned ending of most restrictions on October 22.

The figures, which were taken from an analysis of licence renewals published by the Revenue Commissioners, shows that Cork has lost 37 pubs, Dublin and Donegal 33 each, and 22 have shut in Kerry.

Padraig Cribben, Chief Executive of the VFI, says “These new figures reveal Covid’s dramatic impact on the trade over the past 19 months.”

He said that the closure of so many public houses is “unprecedented” for such a short space of time.

“In light of recent speculation about delaying the ending of restrictions, the news that pubs are closing across the country will only heighten anxiety in the trade.”

“Uncertainty is a key factor in why so many pubs have closed so Government must put an end to the crisis by announcing the easing of restrictions will proceed as planned.”

October 22 had been set weeks ago as the date when most COVID-19 public health restrictions on event sizes and personal distancing were to end.

Concerns have been expressed in recent days about this progression, due to the rising number of daily COVID cases, and increased hospital figures for the disease.

Donall O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the LVA, warned that “These pubs closed even with the Government supports in place. We think the reopening of late night hospitality, the return of the bar counter, the end of mandatory table service and a resumption of normal trading hours should proceed next Friday.”

“If access is limited to those who have been vaccinated there is no justification for not proceeding the easing of the rest of the restrictions.”

“With more than 90% of the adult population vaccinated and vaccine passes likely to remain in place, if we can’t allow hospitality to trade relatively normally now then when will we ever be able to?”

He said that pubs are desperate to get back to normal trading, and many hospitality businesses on the edge have been hanging on in anticipation of this day.

Almost 55,000 on outpatient waiting lists at Galway University Hospitals

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October 18, 2021

Galway Daily news Almost 55,000 on outpatient waiting lists at Galway University Hospitals

There are almost 55,000 adults on currently on waiting lists for an outpatient appointment at Galway University Hospitals.

More than 19,000 of these patients have been waiting over 18 months to be seen Galway East TD Seán Canney stated.

“It is a growing list and there seems to be no help or support coming from Government,” Seán Canney said.

He said that the one million people on hospital waiting lists nationwide are a “stark reminder” of the pressure on the health system, adding “We need to immediately make decisions to take the pressure away from the hospitals.”

Locally, Canney said that Tuam Primary Centre needs x-ray and ultrasound diagnostic facilities, and a Minor Injury Unit should be established in Galway to relieve pressure on UHG.

“It is imperative that the resources are put in place to maximise the use of diagnostic equipment in hospitals as a matter of urgency.”

“We need to be able to use this equipment full throttle on a 24/7 basis rather than on a 40-hour week basis”.

Galway City Centre cleans up its act in IBAL litter survey

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October 18, 2021

Galway daily news Galway one of two clean cities in latest IBAL litter survey

Galway City Centre was one of the only urban areas in the country to clean up its act in recent months according to the latest IBAL litter survey.

In their first post-lockdown litter survey, Galway City Centre was deemed Clean to European Norms, climbing up from Moderately Littered last January.

The only other Galway location on the list is Ballybane, which slipped further down from being Moderately Littered at 26th place in the last survey, to Littered in 35th place this month.

Irish Businesses Against Litter says that while the majority of towns have cleaned up in the past 12 months, cities are seeing their worst trash levels in a decade.

Portlaoise was found to be the cleanest of all the towns and urban areas surveyed, while Dublin’s North Inner City was by far the worst, the only area to be branded a ‘litter blackspot’.

The number of areas deemed clean by An Taisce, who carry out the survey on behalf of IBAL, rose from 17 to 23, with 68% of towns displaying an improvement on last year.

IBAL’s Conor Horgan said that, “With local authority cleaning schedules normalising again and volunteer groups re-engaged in clean-ups across the country, our towns are almost as clean as two years ago.”

However, he added that this is still far short of the level of cleanliness seen in 2014. Among cities, only Galway City Centre and Ballymun saw significant year-on-year improvements.

“For cities, this survey paints a bleak picture,” comments Conor Horgan. “Litter levels have worsened to a level we have not seen in the past ten years. Now that we have emerged from lockdown, we cannot use it as an excuse for high levels of litter.

“As we invest in promotional drives and build city hotels in anticipation of more visitors, we need to be mindful of the littered environment we are presenting to them.”

PPE litter has been a big problem in the past year, with the survey showing a 30% increase in the number of masks discarded in the streets, while alcohol litter of bottles and cans has also gone up.

“The need for PPE has not abated – unfortunately we’re still using disposable masks, we’re still dropping them at an alarming rate and they are still not being picked up,“ says Conor Horgan.

“We are consuming more outdoors and this is translating into more food- and drink-related litter.”

That’s not to say the news is all bleak, as IBAL does report a 20% decrease in the amount of disposable cups discarded in the street, as well as a steep fall-off in cigarette butts.

Further rise in COVID patients at Galway hospitals

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October 18, 2021

There has been a further rise in the number of COVID patients in Galway’s hospitals in the latest HSE data, with University Hospital Galway now recording the second highest number of confirmed cases in the State.

There are now 46 confirmed cases in Galway’s public hospitals, with 37 of those receiving care at UHG. Only University Hospital Limerick has more COVID patients with 49.

Four of the patients diagnosed with the disease at UHG are in the intensive care unit, as of 8pm on Sunday evening.

There are nine confirmed cases at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, with two of those patients receiving treatment in the ICU.

Nationally, the number of cases hospitalised rose to 470 last night – up from 459 yesterday morning.

Positive response to Lidl’s plans for new Athenry store

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October 18, 2021

Lidl says that it has received an overwhelmingly positive response at a recent meeting discussing its plans for its new store in Athenry.

Lidl hosted a virtual community session to talk to local residents, community leaders and stakeholders about the new store which will be delivered in partnership with the Comer Group.

The event was opened by Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte and attendees were shown numerous computer generated images of the development showcasing the high quality build.

Lidl’s property team of Dervla Nash and James Purcell, as well as a team of consultants, answered questions on topics such as flooding, environmental impact, accessibility and restoration of the nearby landmark building of Athenry House.

Martin Morrissey, representing the Athenry Traders Group, also addressed at the event and said that they are excited by the addition of Lidl to Athenry – and that they are throwing their support behind this development.

“As traders we believe a development such as this is key to keeping people shopping in Athenry and for bringing new footfall to the town,” he said.

“The presence of Lidl will only add to Athenry’s ability to attract new traders to our town.

“As a group we welcome the connectivity to Cross Street that is contained in the plan and believe it offers a great opportunity.”

Speaking about the event Lidl’s regional property executive Dervla Nash added that they were blown away by the public reaction to the plans for Athenry when the community briefing was announced.

“We received hundreds of emails of support from local residents, schools, traders and community groups in the area which we are extremely grateful for. The briefing gave us the opportunity to outline the exciting plans we have for Athenry.

“We’ve heard clearly from the local community that a Lidl store is desired and needed with many telling us that they drive out of their way to go to our existing stores in Tuam and Oranmore.

“We will be lodging our plans in the coming weeks and are hopeful for a positive decision from the local authority so that we can focus on delivering the store that the people of Athenry deserve,” said Dervla Nash.

Four weeks of Bothar na dTreabh roadworks begin today

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October 18, 2021

Four weeks of nightly roadworks on the N6 Bothar na dTreabh in Galway City will get underway today.

Galway City Council is carrying road resurfacing works on Bothar na dTreabh between the Kirwan Roundabout and the Tuam Road junction.

The roadworks, which get underway on Monday night, are scheduled to take four weeks to complete.

Works will take place from 8pm to 7am each night, with a stop and go system in place to control traffic.

Motorists are urged to proceed with caution during this period as Traffic Management will be in operation at all times.

PBP calls for ‘real rent controls’ following Budget launch

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October 18, 2021

galway daily news letter people before profit adrian curran

People Before Profit representative Adrian Curran has called on the government to implement real rent controls and cut rents to bring them back to affordable levels.

The party’s Galway representative was commenting following the launch of Budget 2022, which he said had nothing for renters.

“There was nothing in this budget to deal with the extortionate increase in rents, or the pitifully low delivery of public and affordable housing on public land, which is essential to bring us out of the worst housing and homelessness crisis this state has seen,” said Adrian Curran.

“What we need are radical policies to deal with this crisis which is hammering ordinary people.

“Instead, we have a government that is currently allowing rents to rise with the rate of inflation. Yet inflation is set to go to 4% this year.”

Curran said that this will place an undue burden on tenants who are already paying extortionate rents.

He added that his party would take the urgent action of actually intervening in the rental market by cutting rents to affordable levels.

“We would immediately freeze rents and then set up a system whereby tenants could make a claim for rent reductions,” he said.

“We would implement proper rent controls so those rents cannot spiral out of control as they are currently.”

Man sentenced for brazen daylight burglary

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October 18, 2021

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A man was sentenced to a year in prison for his brazen burglary at a business during broad daylight in Galway City last year.

Frank Barrett, of 17 Quinn Terrace, Mervue was convicted of burglary by Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court after a contested hearing.

He was charged with walking in the front door of Platinum Hair Extensions on Buttermilk Walk on the afternoon of February 1, 2020, and heading straight for the till to clean it out.

The manager of Platinum Hair, said that she had been working in the main area of the salon around 3:30 that day, which is separated from the entrance and front counter by a screen.

She heard a noise which sounded like the till, and when she went to check she saw a man crouched at it behind the front desk.

She tried to lock the front door to trap him inside, but he pushed past her and managed to squeeze through a gap in the door.

Roughly €250 was missing from the till she said, but Barrett dropped around €150 of that on the ground outside the shop, and it was returned by passersby.

Garda Austin Cunningham gave evidence that he downloaded CCTV footage from the salon, and circulated it to other Gardaí, and Garda Pat Foley identified Barrett as the man in the video.

Solicitor for the defense Valerie Corcoran said that no person was “readily identifiable” from the camera footage, where the burglar had a cap on, and his coat pulled up as he came in.

Garda Foley told the court that the side of Barrett’s face could be seen when he crouched by the till, and that he also recognised him from his posture and gait, adding that he was absolutely sure it was Barrett.

Ms Corcoran also argued that fingerprints should have been taken from the surfaces on the till, countertop, and door, but that they were not.

Judge Mary Fahy convicted Barrett, saying that it was clearly him on the footage, and noting that the business looked to have been cased ahead of time. “He went straight to the till, he knew where it was,” she said.

The District Court also heard that Barrett has 131 previous convictions, including thirteen for burglary.

Judge Fahy imposed the maximum sentence of 12 months in prison. Leave was granted to appeal, on a bond of €500.

Bail reform needed to tackle serial offenders – Grealish

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October 17, 2021

Galway Daily news More work permits needed to help hospitality sector recover

Bail laws need to be strengthened to prevent serial offenders from committing further offences while they’re already before the court a Galway TD has said.

Speaking in the Dáil this week, Galway West TD Noel Grealish said that more than a quarter of a million offences have been committed over the past decade by people who were on bail at the time.

“They include 84 homicides and almost 9,000 threats to murder or seriously assault, with more than 4,000 robberies, 16,000 burglaries and 65,000 thefts.”

“Of course, these figures only relate to those offenders who were caught and convicted in courts and do not include what may be thousands of more serious offences where nobody was charged or convicted.”

In 2020 alone people on bail for other charges were responsible for one in six crimes for which there was a court conviction, Noel Grealish said, more than 30,000 convictions in total.

This accounts for one in five murders, 25% of people convicted of a firearms or explosive offence, and 16% of robberies, extortion crimes, and hijackings.

“It is clear something must be done about easy access to bail for serial offenders who have no hesitation in leaving court and going out on the street to inflict further trauma, injury or worse on others.”

“It is obvious the rules governing the granting of bail to repeat offenders are not protecting members of the public from suffering further harm at the hands of these people.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin responded that this is an extremely important issue, one that is key to creating a “genuine sense of security” in people’s homes and communities.

“It is a priority for the Government and the Minister for Justice. We are striving to provide that safety by engaging with communities, reducing crime, tackling recidivism and supporting victims.”

The presiding judge, who decides whether to grant bail to someone accused of a crime, has the authority to refuse it if they believe that it’s necessary to prevent further serious offences, or for other reasons.

The Criminal Justice Act 2017 strengthened bail provisions by allowing Gardaí to call an alleged victim to give evidence at a bail hearing, regarding the likelihood of the accused interfering with witnesses, or posing a danger to victims or their families.

Taoiseach Martin said that the priority of the Minister of Justice right now is tackling penal reform and recidivism, to cut down on the number of people reoffending to begin with.

“We understand certain offenders have relatively high risks of offending while on bail. Again, it is a matter for a trial judge to determine whether bail should be granted by weighing up factors in each case.”

“The Government will take further measures to increase access to addiction treatment, education and employment opportunities. There will be increased use of community-funded organisations.”

Pop-up vaccination centre returning to NUIG

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October 17, 2021

The great success of pop-up vaccination centres at universities and colleges around the country means that they will return next week at NUIG and elsewhere.

More than 3,000 students have received a vaccine jab at one of the pop-up clinics established in 15 higher education sites two weeks ago. More than half of those students were getting their first dose.

With that success in mind, from Monday the pop-up clinics will be returning to 12 college and university campuses, including NUI Galway.

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said that this is about ensuring that people who got their first dose at one of these clinics can return for their second jab.

“Importantly, these sites will be open for people to receive their first dose too. We know there are just 8.8% of the adult population who have not been vaccinated, and we know 28% of those are between 17 and 29.”

“We have to ensure we do everything we can to offer students the opportunity to get vaccinated, protect themselves and protect their college communities.”

“Having been out to the pop-up vaccination centres two weeks ago, I’ve seen first-hand the fantastic work being done to maximise vaccine uptake, particularly for our younger population.”

The minister also confirmed that a rapid antigen testing pilot programme will be extended to seven campuses this Autumn.

He said that while rapid testing will not replace public health measures such as mask wearing, it would be an additional weapon against COVID-19.

“Colleges are asking for volunteers to take part, and I really would encourage staff and students to participate and help us keep rolling out our plans for a safe and sustainable reopening of campuses and society.”

COVID-19: 1,380 cases reported today

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October 17, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

There have been a further 1,380 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning, the number of people hospitalised with COVID has grown to 459.

Of these patients, 74 have been admitted to intensive care units for treatment.

Daily case numbers may change in the future after data is validated and reviewed.

In the past week there have been 142,364 tests carried out in Ireland, with a positivity rate of 8.4% nationwide.

Up to last Friday there were 3,720,336 people in the country who had been fully vaccinated against the virus.

The COVID-19 data hub provides information on the key indicators of the disease in the community, including the rollout of the vaccine campaign.

Colm must confront his grief, and daughter’s grave, in Ros na Rún

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October 17, 2021

Galway Daily television Colm must confront his grief, and daughter's grave, in Ros na Rún

Bobbi Lee makes things worse for Berni and Jude, while Colm is forced to confront his grief and daughter’s grave on Ros na Rún.

Mack and Dee come to very bitter straights, with Blaithín caught in the middle. But will the two be able to get along for her sake, or where else will this go?

Áine, having heard what Briain did to Berni and Sorcha, thinks he may also have hurt her mother. A furious Briain does not take too kindly to such accusations and tells her as much.

Colm has been hiding from his grief at Colma’s death, and leaving her grave unattended. But Charlie pushes him to go tend to it, forcing him to confront the grave and his feelings both.

Berni, thanks to Bobbi Lee, is left with little choice but to tell Evan what Jude did to his grandfather.

For her part, Bobbi Lee tries to undo some of the damage that she has caused, and get Briain to withdraw his accusation, otherwise she may well be the reason Jude goes to jail.

Noreen helps Áine dump her old mattress outside knowing Tadhg will have little choice now but to buy her a new one, but soon discovers this was a biiiig mistake.

Catch all of this and more from the latest two episodes of Ros na Rún this week in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday at 8pm.

UHG is Ireland’s second most overcrowded hospital today

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October 17, 2021

University Hospital Galway is the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today, with 39 patients without a bed this morning.

There are 37 patients waiting on trolleys in the Emergency Department at UHG, with two more in the wards without a bed.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are a further 17 patients without beds, seven in the A&E and ten more in the wards.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation carries out a tally of patients on trolleys and waiting for a bed in Ireland’s acute hospitals at 8am each morning.

According to Trolley Watch/Ward Watch there are 387 patients admitted to Irish hospitals today for whom no bed is available.

As usual UH Limerick is the worst affected in the country, with 65 patients waiting for a bed, followed by UHG, and the Letterkenny University Hospital with 35.

Phil Ní Sheaghdha, INMO General Secretary, has said that clarity is needed on what the €22.2 billion Department of Health allocation in the budget will mean for hiring nurses and midwives, and improving pay.

“We need funding to implement the framework, which determines the safe levels of nurse to patient ratio following on from Budget 2022, just like we have a pupil-teacher ratio that advises on the optimum number of children in a classroom to one teacher.”

“We are hearing examples in our hospitals of one nurse to fifteen patients in a ward. This is not a safe environment for the nurse or patients.”

Galway hospitals treating 43 COVID patients

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October 17, 2021