“Outrageous”: Queue of 16 Ambulances Highlights Overcrowding Crisis at Drogheda Hospital
Ardee News and Sport – “Outrageous”: Queue of 16 Ambulances Highlights Overcrowding Crisis at Drogheda Hospital
A queue of up to 16 ambulances outside Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda on Monday evening has been described as “outrageous,” sparking renewed concerns about the capacity of Ireland’s healthcare system.
The ambulances, some of which had been waiting for up to six hours, were unable to hand over patients due to a lack of available beds within the hospital. The backlog was most apparent at 7pm, when the row of ambulances extended outside the emergency department, delaying care for patients in critical need.
Healthcare professionals and advocacy groups have raised alarms over the incident, calling it a stark example of the strain placed on hospitals nationwide.
“This situation is unacceptable,” said a spokesperson for a healthcare union. “It not only delays care for patients in ambulances but also leaves fewer vehicles available for emergencies elsewhere.”
Families of patients expressed frustration and concern, with one relative describing the scene as “chaotic and heartbreaking.”
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, which has faced ongoing challenges with overcrowding, issued a statement acknowledging the delays and attributing them to an exceptionally high volume of patients. The hospital has urged the public to consider alternative care options for non-urgent cases.
The incident has prompted calls for immediate government action to address staffing shortages, expand bed capacity, and alleviate pressure on frontline services.