Health

Senior medic says HSE needs 2,000 extra hospital beds to cope with overcrowding crisis

Matthew Sadlier, a senior figure in the Irish Medical Organisation, said a lack of capacity is the central issue for the struggling health service

Matthew Sadlier, the chair of the Irish Medical Organisation’s consultants committee. Picture: Rollingnews.ie

A senior medic has said at least 2,000 extra hospital beds are needed, as the Irish health system runs the risk of being completely overwhelmed.

Matthew Sadlier, the chair of the Irish Medical Organisation’s consultants committee, also said that requiring consultants and other medical staff to work 7 days a week will not make a significant difference without a similar change in community supports.

This week has been the worst for overcrowding on record, with ...