Accident & Emergency crisis, Talks at Beaumont Hospital
Representatives of the nursing staff in the Accident & Emergency unit at Dublin's Beaumont Hospital are holding a meeting with management to discuss measures to alleviate the overcrowding crisis.
Pressure has eased on both the Mater and Beaumont hospitals today, but doctors said the crisis would continue unless closed beds are reopened.
Over the weekend, there were almost 60 patients on trolleys and chairs awaiting admission, and the staff have demanded urgent action.
Planned surgery has been cancelled.
Earlier, management at the hospital said it has triggered contingency plans to deal with the 'intense pressure'.
Chief Executive John Lamont said plans are in train to seek additional nursing resources to open extra beds to cope with increased demand.
He said that this morning there were 15 patients in A&E awaiting admission to the main hospital.
