Skip to content
Support Us

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

File photo Shutterstock/withGod

‘Sensible people are putting their health at risk’ – Patients going to GPs when they need emergency treatment

Meanwhile, doctors are being balloted on industrial action at University Hospital Limerick.

Updated 5.45pm

PEOPLE ARE PUTTING their health at risk by presenting to GPs instead of emergency departments, according to the Irish Medical Organisation.

Dr Ray Walley, chair of the IMO’s GP committee, told Morning Ireland: “People who would normally ring an ambulance, predominantly elderly people, are presenting to GPs … They’re delaying issues that need immediate attention, things like chest pains.”

Walley noted that he is aware of one young person who had to be convinced by family members to go to an emergency department after being diagnosed with appendicitis.

We have sensible people not making sensible decisions, and putting their health at risk.

Walley said elderly people in particular are delaying attending hospitals while suffering from issues that can only be dealt with in emergency departments.

He noted that GPs may be unable to make a house call until several hours after they have been contacted.

Walley said the situation has been getting progressively worse in recent years, saying about 1,400 beds have been taken out of the system.

“Unfortunately that message we’ve been saying over the past number of years is not being heard.”

Beds

Walley said a substantial amount of resources have been removed from system. He said the same amount of funding was put into the health system in 2015 as was in 2006 – despite the fact that 20,000 new cases involving people over the age 65 come on to the system annually.

He called for extra beds, and greater investment in GP and community care.

“We need 1,400 beds at least, and that’s just for the moment.

The system cannot cope and the ED (problem) is a symptom of the whole system unfortunately coming to a time where it’s in freefall.

Speaking on the same programme, Liam Doran, general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), said solving overcrowding has to be made a priority, even if it means extending waiting lists for certain procedures.

The HSE has advised GPs working in the Beaumont Hospital catchment area in Dublin to refer patients with minor injuries to the Smithfield Rapid Injury Clinic due to overcrowding at the hospital’s emergency department.

Overcrowding is an issue in emergency departments throughout the country, with hundreds of patients on trolleys each day (427 yesterday, according to the INMO).

Industrial action

The IMO is balloting its members who are non-consultant doctors in University Hospital Limerick on industrial action.

shutterstock_158366573 Shutterstock / Pressmaster Shutterstock / Pressmaster / Pressmaster

In a statement released this afternoon, the IMO said the ballot marks an escalation in a dispute over non-payment for overtime. Subject to the outcome of the ballot, industrial action at the hospital may take place in the week commencing Monday, 18 January.

Dr John Duddy, IMO vice president, said:

It is outrageous that doctors who have worked long hours looking after patients should be treated so badly by their employer.

In a statement, the UL Hospitals Group said it is actively engaged in resolving the matter and expects all outstanding overtime payments will be made this month.

“It is important to note that this matter relates to claims for unrostered overtime only and all rostered overtime is being paid to NCHDs.”

 UL Hospitals Group is pleased to confirm that with the exception of a small number of individuals, all of the claims for unrostered overtime have been processed and staff will be paid next week. Once the remainder of claim forms have been correctly completed, these will also be processed and all staff paid by the end of the month.

“UL Hospitals Group greatly values the hard work done by all of our highly skilled NCHDs and looks forward to resolving this matter,” the group said.

Duddy said many young qualified doctors emigrate due to HSE “failures” such as this. TheJournal.ie has contacted the HSE for comment.

Leo Varadkar

Yesterday Health Minister Leo Varadkar appeared on RTÉ’s Nine O’Clock News to discuss the overcrowding crisis.

He said: “Even if I got a cheque for €100 million tomorrow, I won’t be able to build a block overnight. I won’t be able to hire staff overnight.”

When discussing the same issue on Drivetime, Varadkar said there were 15% fewer people on trolleys compared to this time last year, while the number of people waiting on trolleys more than nine hours is down 25%.

“But I totally appreciate that if you’re on the trolley or if it’s your family member on the trolley that’s no good for you,” the minister said.

Read: ‘Even if I got a cheque for €100 million – I couldn’t fix this overnight’

Read: Enda and Micheál have spent all day having a go at each other

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
46 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aideen Pollard
    Favourite Aideen Pollard
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 7:40 PM

    €30 for a haircut!

    444
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mr Wilde
    Favourite Mr Wilde
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 7:42 PM

    @Aideen Pollard: how much do women spend on haircuts?

    292
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sequoia
    Favourite sequoia
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 7:44 PM

    @Aideen Pollard:

    It IS a southside haircut.

    Mine costs a tenner

    169
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciarán Mac Cormaic
    Favourite Ciarán Mac Cormaic
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:59 PM

    @Aideen Pollard: and €20 for a puncture!

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute RogerRamjet
    Favourite RogerRamjet
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 9:11 PM

    @Aideen Pollard: €100 on gloves…..GLOVES!!

    136
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Caitriona Smith
    Favourite Caitriona Smith
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 10:14 PM

    @RogerRamjet: and 10 euro for a taxi when he lives in rathmines which is less than a 20min walk from town.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian oconnell
    Favourite brian oconnell
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 12:19 AM

    @Aideen Pollard: Must have been at Sams, only place that charges 30!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Desmond Lyons
    Favourite Desmond Lyons
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 6:55 AM

    @brian oconnell: G.Male!

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sequoia
    Favourite sequoia
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 7:46 PM

    You’ll learn lad. You’re spending too much money and not planning for the future.

    You’ve an excellent salary & you’re blowing a huge percentage of it.

    You should be able to cut your discretionary spending In half without noticing at your rate and be able to save that balance.

    Saving €800 a month on €75k a year is pitiful.

    502
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Micko
    Favourite Micko
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:49 PM

    @sequoia: god your a dry shape

    164
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Micko
    Favourite Micko
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:49 PM

    @sequoia: god your a dull motherfupper

    53
    See 8 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Micko
    Favourite Micko
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:49 PM

    @sequoia: god your a dull

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Micko
    Favourite Micko
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:50 PM

    @sequoia: god, hate to be married or end up married to you.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Micko
    Favourite Micko
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:50 PM

    @sequoia: for the love of god, there is a thing called FUN!

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Catalanista
    Favourite Catalanista
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:53 PM

    @Micko: Come back when you’re sober

    221
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Murphy
    Favourite Sean Murphy
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 9:07 PM

    @Micko: you alright there pal? Few valium wouldn’t go astray.

    111
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niallers
    Favourite Niallers
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 9:09 PM

    @sequoia: He doesn’t realise he could be set for life if he managed his money right. As in multi millionaire come retirement.

    If you could put an old head on young shoulders.

    Check out a guy called Dave Ramsey on you tube. Take his advice .

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sequoia
    Favourite sequoia
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 9:32 PM

    @Micko:

    Sure kid. Whatever gets you through the night.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Doherty
    Favourite Shane Doherty
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 12:14 AM

    @Micko: well Micko, you must be exhausted from delivering all his food. Bless.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Horan
    Favourite John Horan
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:02 PM

    I wish I got as much sleep as this lad

    329
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute iohanx
    Favourite iohanx
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 7:54 PM

    Not a penny into your pension looking at your numbers. Deferred income buddy, worth it’s weight if done right. You should rethink your strategy, being a data analyst and all.

    276
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ali Ní Dhomhnaill
    Favourite Ali Ní Dhomhnaill
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 10:01 PM

    @iohanx: have you seen what his job gives him. They definitely have a decent pension there.

    108
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Ringer
    Favourite Dave Ringer
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 5:31 PM

    @Ali Ní Dhomhnaill: more likely no pension

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin
    Favourite Kevin
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:24 PM

    You sound like good craic I have to say, and don’t take things seriously.
    Nothing at all wrong with it, you seem happy out – best of luck

    305
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan fowley
    Favourite Ronan fowley
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:21 PM

    How about doing a story about someone living on the minimum wage or someone living in the west of Ireland that’s not galway that would be great

    263
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tweety McTweeter
    Favourite Tweety McTweeter
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:26 PM

    @Ronan fowley: I live in Mayo, I’m on the dole and I’m stone broke. Ask me anything…

    405
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Horan
    Favourite John Horan
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:36 PM

    @Tweety McTweeter: Question 1. How come you are on the dole? What sort of job have you tried to look for?

    147
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jim Buckley Barrett
    Favourite Jim Buckley Barrett
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:43 PM

    @Tweety McTweeter: Question 2. What retraining have you taken to obtain a job?

    68
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tweety McTweeter
    Favourite Tweety McTweeter
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:58 PM

    @John Horan: Ahh forget it. Didn’t realise it would be like the Spanish Inquisition

    262
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ooh ahh
    Favourite ooh ahh
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:58 PM

    @Tweety McTweeter: Q3. Is there still people in mayo thinking this could be their year.

    216
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Horan
    Favourite John Horan
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 10:46 PM

    @ooh ahh: Reckon they have more chance of Sam 2018 than 2019 ;-)

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bruce van der Gutschmitzer
    Favourite Bruce van der Gutschmitzer
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 11:10 PM

    @Tweety McTweeter: Leo still has his stooges about from his time in Social ‘Protection’ out looking to rat ppl out Tweety. Say nothin!

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob Cahill
    Favourite Rob Cahill
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 1:47 PM

    @Tweety McTweeter: you said ask me anything?!?!?!

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jumperoo
    Favourite Jumperoo
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:40 PM

    Fair play to this lad in many ways, but as a data analyst, he could analyse his own data a bit more. He says transport costs are zero since work pays for public transport, but yet he owns a car too…And even put 20 quid petrol into it in the week he’s writing about? So why isn’t there a figure for car running costs and maintenance in his monthly outgoings?

    208
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Laura Byrne
    Favourite Laura Byrne
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 11:15 PM

    After reading these diaries for weeks now, I have come to the conclusion that the sole purpose of 50% of them is marketing orientated. 50% seem to plug products/apps/whatever else they may throw in and the rest just seems unrealistic to me. Disappointing.

    113
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Heylin
    Favourite Peter Heylin
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 7:25 AM

    @Laura Byrne: What products have you seen being plugged in this series? Any examples…

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan McKeon
    Favourite Ronan McKeon
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 8:48 AM

    @Peter Heylin: I got the useful advice to boil eggs in the kettle at work at least…

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall McNamara
    Favourite Niall McNamara
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:19 PM

    Long hours, take aways and pints. I wouldn’t worry about having to pay back the mortgage!

    93
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lee Mac Eoghain
    Favourite Lee Mac Eoghain
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 9:47 PM

    This lad lives in D6 has all his transport paid off and has a car.

    Get rid of the car and you will save thousands per year.

    Your welcome

    91
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nicholas Kelly
    Favourite Nicholas Kelly
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 9:43 PM

    It’s a 100 euro on the joint account so nothing from me
    You do remember you pay into the joint account?
    Makes the analysis pointless, pretending your not spending as much as you are

    97
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Phil Quinn
    Favourite Phil Quinn
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 4:09 AM

    @Nicholas Kelly: joint account payment is a seperate bank account so hes not including it in his personal deductions…..not exactly rocket science

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colm Naylor
    Favourite Colm Naylor
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 12:13 AM

    Sounds like an ad for deliveroo

    73
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Locojoe
    Favourite Locojoe
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 10:29 PM

    Two free tickets for the Ireland v New Zealand match. It is good for some!

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Angus Stening
    Favourite Angus Stening
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:31 PM

    Sure glad I’m not employing you

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mr Wilde
    Favourite Mr Wilde
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:44 PM

    @Angus Stening: why? Horrible thing to say.

    96
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mr Wilde
    Favourite Mr Wilde
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 8:46 PM

    @Angus Stening: why?

    26
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sos
    Favourite Sos
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 9:36 PM

    @Angus Stening: it’s the most interesting account I’ve read so far. He sounds like a great asset to an office, can’t understand your comment ?

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Padraic McDonagh
    Favourite Padraic McDonagh
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 11:49 PM

    Nice gig, plenty of perks, decent social life.
    Crikey this could be me if I didn’t have 4 kids!!

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cathal Kelly
    Favourite Cathal Kelly
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 10:30 PM

    Absolutely f@@king love this guy!

    54
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Knows
    Favourite Joe Knows
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 11:20 PM

    “It’s €16.30 on the joint account, so €0 from me” haha… Interesting scheme, incredible what else could be saved with a few tweaks here and there, however I guess different strokes for different folks.
    =)

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jumperoo
    Favourite Jumperoo
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 11:34 PM

    @Joe Knows: think I’ll start throwing €500 a week into the joint account here. Then I’ll get nearly everything for ‘free’.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seaniecp
    Favourite Seaniecp
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 1:22 AM

    I loved that read . Gew on ya good thing. 2400 a year on gym. Brilliant. Mans gotta do ………

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Murphy
    Favourite Shane Murphy
    Report
    Dec 19th 2018, 10:21 PM

    This is laughable. I accept his point about not stopping life to save. Fine. Two hundred a month for CrossFit ? Join a gym for forty. Ditch the coffees at three euro a pop, another joke. Taxis instead of a few minute walk! Unless your parents have money to throw you for a deposit , you’re going to be in the f*cked position a lot of people are now !

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Mc
    Favourite John Mc
    Report
    Dec 23rd 2018, 9:31 PM

    @Shane Murphy: one of my luxuries is spending similar amount on crossfit style program. Commercial gyms are boring and unsimulating so I eventually pack in in. You can’t put a price on your health.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ross mcgee
    Favourite ross mcgee
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 7:49 AM

    “30 from the joint account, so that’s nothing from me” … (“.
    Sounds like a terrible data analyst with a drink problem.

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Amanda Baker
    Favourite Amanda Baker
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 8:56 AM

    Is it just me or does he sound like a real peach of a boyfriend

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob Cahill
    Favourite Rob Cahill
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 9:06 AM

    @Amanda Baker: Sounds like a Fionn to me. I bet he wears shoes with no socks and rolls up his jeans.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eimear Cooney
    Favourite Eimear Cooney
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 11:35 AM

    Amanda, you seem keen!

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob Cahill
    Favourite Rob Cahill
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 9:07 AM

    30 quid for a haircut is outrageous. If I want a decent one its 17, if I just want it cut it’s 13.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute trebloc01
    Favourite trebloc01
    Report
    Dec 21st 2018, 7:21 PM

    29 on 74,000 is this for real

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Amanda Baker
    Favourite Amanda Baker
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 8:56 AM

    Is it just me or does he sound like a real peach of a boyfriend

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Amanda Baker
    Favourite Amanda Baker
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 8:58 AM

    Is it just me or is this guy a reall peach of a boyfriend

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eimear Cooney
    Favourite Eimear Cooney
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 12:08 PM

    @Amanda Baker: You’re keen

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Amanda Baker
    Favourite Amanda Baker
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 8:58 AM

    Is it just me or is this guy a reall peach of a boyfriend

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Heylin
    Favourite Peter Heylin
    Report
    Dec 20th 2018, 7:30 AM

    I bet Friday felt a bit like this: https://youtu.be/kfchvCyHmsc

    I wouldn’t worry though, it was Friday after all

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds