Hospital bed closures means more people on trolleys

Since the 16 bed closures in the Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar, which was only meant to be a summer setup, trolley watch figures have gone through the roof.The total percentage increase of patients on trolleys in Mullingar for the month of September since last year is 72%, and for October, a staggering 2600% so far!At the time of writing, there were 10 people on trolleys in Mullingar.The HSE has said that proposals were being considered to bring back into use the sixteen beds closed, which came via the amalgamation of Wards One and Two at the hospital - which were traditionally separate male and female wards.In September 2008, only 18 patients found themselves on trollies, while there was a total 31 patients on trollies in September of this year. There was just one patient on a trolley during October 1 - 13 2008 - but there have been 27 patients on trollies so far this October.Back in the summer, the HSE said bed closures at Mullingar was supposed to be temporary move:"On a year on year basis demand for service reduces over the summer period where patients take summer holidays and hospitals historically effect bed closures during that period.This allows some opportunity to bring budget spend into line with allocation and Service Plan levels."