Hospitals are cancelling surgeries because of severe pressure on the health service. 

Speaking to Josh Crosbie for The Hard Shoulder, one doctor - who did not want to give her name - described the situation in Portlaoise as “very pressurised”. 

“There’s a huge volume of winter viruses affecting patients,” she said. 

“It’s been very challenging for staff.” 

Another factor that has also caused difficulty for the health service is the weather - which has made it difficult for staff and patients alike to travel into hospital. 

“With the weather the way it’s been in the last couple of days, there is a reduction in outpatient activity,” the doctor said. 

“I think there’s been some reduction in surgeries and endoscopic procedures as well - so, elective stuff has been curtailed. 

“Really, the hospital is at maximum capacity at the moment; there’s a lot of patients on trolleys and without any beds. 

“So, it’s pretty dire at the moment.” 

Close up of a doctor having a consultation with a patient. Picture by: Aleksandr Davydov / Alamy Stock Photo

The doctor added that she was particularly thankful to retired members of staff who have done their bit to help get people into work on time. 

“Those that own jeeps have brought people in and out,” she said. 

“So, I’m really grateful for those people for thinking of us in those difficult days of bad weather.” 

Medical staff and a patient. Picture by: Jens Büttner/dpa-Zentralbild/ZB

One woman whose brother is currently a patient in Portlaoise Hospital recalled that it was “very busy” when he arrived.. 

“He was 12 hours waiting to be seen in A&E,” she said. 

“He’s in there now four days and he’s being looked after.

“He’s on the mend now, thankfully. So, hopefully, a few more tests and hopefully he’ll be out today.” 

Despite this, she said he got a bed “pretty quickly” and has been looked after “pretty well”.

Main image: A hospital worker wheels and a patient. Picture by: Alamy.com