James Connolly Hospital Closing after 6pm each day

Paul.C

I have a friend working in this hospital and he informs me that the government are set to close James Connolly hospital A+E on the 4th of November this year. According to a meeting that was held with staff members, the A+E department will open from 8am to 5pm every day after that. The outcome of this will mean that if you are in need of immediate medical attention out of hours then you will be sent to the Mater or Beaumont.

Not only will this lead to even longer waiting times, but it will surely cause the deaths of a number of unfortunate people who dont get the attention they need fast enough. This annoys me greatly as I have seen first hand the result of ambulances arriving those critical few minutes too late from here as it is.

This worries me as if they can arrive late from JC then imagine how long it would take to get to and from the Mater.

Also the negative affect of staff cuts here will choke Dublin-West even more.

I am directing all the blame here at the HSE and the present-government in general and not at the staff and hospital itself.

James Connolly hospital has survived through many recessions and strived over the past ten of years to become a modern hospital this country can be proud of. In fact it is one of the only success stories to come from Mary Harneys HSE and now they want to close it.

I propose a Protest at some stage to stop this from happening. This hospital is a valuable asset to the area and ignoring this closure will result in nothing more than Job cuts and needless fatalities. Im sure the staff will be arranging some kind of protest for this but they will need the full support of the people. We need to stand together and say no.

I will try and keep up to date with this thread and if anyone has further information, links to other sites, threads or facebook pages that are planning a protest then Please post them here.

Anyway, opinions please people!

FlutterinBantam

Paul.C wrote: »

I have a friend working in this hospital and he informs me that the government are set to close James Connolly hospital A+E on the 4th of November this year. According to a meeting that was held with staff members, the A+E department will open from 8am to 5pm every day after that. The outcome of this will mean that if you are in need of immediate medical attention out of hours then you will be sent to the Mater or Beaumont.

Not only will this lead to even longer waiting times, but it will surely cause the deaths of a number of unfortunate people who dont get the attention they need fast enough. This annoys me greatly as I have seen first hand the result of ambulances arriving those critical few minutes too late from here as it is.

This worries me as if they can arrive late from JC then imagine how long it would take to get to and from the Mater.

Also the negative affect of staff cuts here will choke Dublin-West even more.

I am directing all the blame here at the HSE and the present-government in general and not at the staff and hospital itself.

James Connolly hospital has survived through many recessions and strived over the past ten of years to become a modern hospital this country can be proud of. In fact it is one of the only success stories to come from Mary Harneys HSE and now they want to close it.

I propose a Protest at some stage to stop this from happening. This hospital is a valuable asset to the area and ignoring this closure will result in nothing more than Job cuts and needless fatalities. Im sure the staff will be arranging some kind of protest for this but they will need the full support of the people. We need to stand together and say no.

I will try and keep up to date with this thread and if anyone has further information, links to other sites, threads or facebook pages that are planning a protest then Please post them here.

Anyway, opinions please people!

If the Hospital was efficient and cost effective this wouldn't happen.

Have you a link with the absenteeism records please?

teol

Good. I live in Dublin 15 and the closure of the A&E at Connolly Hospital wouldn't make any impact in my life. The Mater has better public transport links to Blanchardstown then Connolly Hospital. We need to amalgamate resources, not have small crappy hospitals in every locality.

Magic Beans

Why don't the go the whole hog, shut all the hospitals and give everyone a pre-printed E111 and a Ryanair ticket to Britain where thay can get free medical care? It's all they are short of doing.

Ostrom

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

If the Hospital was efficient and cost effective this wouldn't happen.

Nothing to do with budget constraints and politically neutral territories?

Roscommon has shown the low quality of evidence policymakers are prepared to accept as reliable evidence

Tehachapi

The problem here is cash. We need more cash.

FlutterinBantam

Tehachapi wrote: »

The problem here is cash. We need more cash.

So who is going to pay for these services?

FetchTheGin

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

So who is going to pay for these services?

Your mate, John Q taxpayer.

FlutterinBantam

yep , That's what I thought.

So forgive me, before I throw my weight behind the protest, I might like to know the absenteeism and efficiency records for the gaff.

Is that ok?

opinion guy

You are all assuming this is about money. Are you sure its not realting to staffing shortage ?

Paul.C

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

If the Hospital was efficient and cost effective this wouldn't happen.

Have you a link with the absenteeism records please?

:rolleyes:

teol wrote: »

Good. I live in Dublin 15 and the closure of the A&E at Connolly Hospital wouldn't make any impact in my life. The Mater has better public transport links to Blanchardstown then Connolly Hospital. We need to amalgamate resources, not have small crappy hospitals in every locality.

If you or a member of your family suffers stroke, heart attack or any other life threatening symptom then I hope this comment doesn't return to haunt you. Also it is not a crappy hospital, it is a very good hospital. And substantially relieves the pressure on the mater.

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

So who is going to pay for these services?

You are and so am I. We paid millions into upgrading this hospital over the last few years and now they want to close it. How about we close the m50 too, sure we dont need that either do we:rolleyes:

Paul.C

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

yep , That's what I thought.

So forgive me, before I throw my weight behind the protest, I might like to know the absenteeism and efficiency records for the gaff.

Is that ok?

We have spent the last decade trying to pull our health service out of the dark ages and now they are stopping all progress. Do you really think the money they save here will be handed over to the mater? I dont think so. As for the efficiency records, how do you judge efficiency in this area? Ask all the people who are alive now because of the staff there. As for the absenteeism, that comment is fair enough. If certain staff are taking the mick then they should go through the proper disciplinary procedures the same as anyone else. I do not have these records but I wouldnt imagine they would be any different to the mater hospital.

FlutterinBantam

Paul.C wrote: »

:rolleyes:


If you or a member of your family suffers stroke, heart attack or any other life threatening symptom then I hope this comment doesn't return to haunt you. Also it is not a crappy hospital, it is a very good hospital. And substantially relieves the pressure on the mater.


You are and so am I. We paid millions into upgrading this hospital over the last few years and now they want to close it. How about we close the m50 too, sure we dont need that either do we:rolleyes:

You are kind of sidestepping the point buddy,

Of course we can't close the M50 , it's proven to be needed.

Now ,absenteeism,and efficiency records for the JCMH ??


:rolleyes:

teol

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

If the Hospital was efficient and cost effective this wouldn't happen.

Have you a link with the absenteeism records please?

http://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/Healthstat/comparative%20results/Hosptial_Absenteeism_May_2011.pdf

Paul.C

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

You are kind of sidestepping the point buddy,

Of course we can't close the M50 , it's proven to be needed.

Now ,absenteeism,and efficiency records for the JCMH ??


:rolleyes:

Have you seen these? you are basing an argument on records you have seen yes? Well tell me how they differ to any other hospital in Dublin! What is the point you are trying to make? Please give me a link to a site or document that says James Connolly A+E is unsustainable due to its ranking in efficiency and absenteeism in the health system.

fedor.2.

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

You are kind of sidestepping the point buddy,

Of course we can't close the M50 , it's proven to be needed.

Now ,absenteeism,and efficiency records for the JCMH ??


:rolleyes:

Jaysus, what are you like. It must be a great burden for you having the weight of the country's problems on your shoulders, we'd be lost without you and the paltry taxes you pay. get a grip buddy, enjoy your life and relax

opinion guy

teol wrote: »

http://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/Healthstat/comparative%20results/Hosptial_Absenteeism_May_2011.pdf

Love it.

Second lowest absenteeism in the country. Better than all other Dublin hospitals bar Louglinstown - which rumour has it may also close in November

steve9859

Paul.C wrote: »

We have spent the last decade trying to pull our health service out of the dark ages and now they are stopping all progress. .

I don't believe hospital consolidation is 'stopping all progress'. Quite the opposite in fact.

mickydoomsux

Meh.

People wanted public service cuts but when the knife comes out they get cold feet. We can't have a hospital on everyones doorstep.

FlutterinBantam

teol wrote: »

http://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/Healthstat/comparative%20results/Hosptial_Absenteeism_May_2011.pdf

Fairly close to the HSE average for absenteeism.

Appreciate very much that chart poster.

Now per capita throughput vs cost on a 24 hr basis?

Paul.C

teol wrote: »

http://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/Healthstat/comparative%20results/Hosptial_Absenteeism_May_2011.pdf

Thanks teol, much appreciated. So it looks like Connolly is actually one of the best for staff time keeping.

whippet

Jcmh to beaumont in an ambulance after hours would take a matter of five minutes .... And more serious cases presented to these hospitals are in many cases diverted or transferred to Beaumont .. Espc head injuries.

I've been in the a&e at blanch late at night and the vast majority of people presenting are there due to drunken fighting, falling while pissed and other drinking related matters ..... No urgency there and if there is send them 5 mins up the road to a better hospital

FlutterinBantam

Nothing to do with 'timekeeping' attendance for work surely.

teol

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

Fairly close to the HSE average for absenteeism.

Appreciate very much that chart poster.

Now per capita throughput vs cost on a 24 hr basis?

Here is all the stats:

http://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/Healthstat/hospitalresults/jcm/May_2011_Connolly_Hospital_Blanchardstown.pdf

Although it's above average, the fact is it's very close to the Mater and St. Jame's. We could close the a&e in Blanchardstown and save a lot of money without effecting many people.

opinion guy

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

Fairly close to the HSE average for absenteeism.

Appreciate very much that chart poster.

Now per capita throughput vs cost on a 24 hr basis?

Why don't you do your own googling to prove your own point, whatever that is, instead of demanding the rest of us do it for you ?

FlutterinBantam

opinion guy wrote: »

Why don't you do your own googling to prove your own point, whatever that is, instead of demanding the rest of us do it for you ?

I'm not trying to prove any point buddy

Just saying if you want my support for issues like this produce the stats?

Jeesh, I didn't start the thread man.

C'mon

mackg

opinion guy wrote: »

Why don't you do your own googling to prove your own point, whatever that is, instead of demanding the rest of us do it for you ?

I am directing all the blame here at the HSE and the present-government in general and not at the staff and hospital itself.

James Connolly hospital has survived through many recessions and strived over the past ten of years to become a modern hospital this country can be proud of. In fact it is one of the only success stories to come from Mary Harneys HSE and now they want to close it.

From OP, nothing wrong with asking for evidence backing up OPs statement.

FlutterinBantam

teol wrote: »

Here is all the stats:

http://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/Healthstat/hospitalresults/jcm/May_2011_Connolly_Hospital_Blanchardstown.pdf

Although it's above average, the fact is it's very close to the Mater and St. Jame's. We could close the a&e in Blanchardstown and save a lot of money without effecting many people.

That's exactly my point and kudos for those stats, very informative.

Einhard

It's always unfortunate when a local amenity, particularly a hospital, is closed, but I think people are basing their claims on the increased numbers of deaths that will result on assumptions, rather than empirical evidence. For example, Carlow doesn't have an A&E department. It relies on Kilkenny for that service, and I've never heard mention of people dying in Carlow as a result. I don't think it's right to make grave claims about the consequences of an action without having anything to back those claims.

FlutterinBantam

Einhard wrote: »

It's always unfortunate when a local amenity, particularly a hospital, is closed, but I think people are basing their claims on the increased numbers of deaths that will result on assumptions, rather than empirical evidence. For example, Carlow doesn't have an A&E department. It relies on Kilkenny for that service, and I've never heard mention of people dying in Carlow as a result. I don't think it's right to make grave claims about the consequences of an action without having anything to back those claims.

Indeed, beware of vested interests I was always told.

Einhard

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

Fairly close to the HSE average for absenteeism.

Appreciate very much that chart poster.

Now per capita throughput vs cost on a 24 hr basis?

LOL. Anything else while you're at it? Perhaps a statistical comparison with the hospitals in China's Kashgar province too?!:pac:

Dozen Wicked Words

whippet wrote: »

Jcmh to beaumont in an ambulance after hours would take a matter of five minutes .... And more serious cases presented to these hospitals are in many cases diverted or transferred to Beaumont .. Espc head injuries.

I've been in the a&e at blanch late at night and the vast majority of people presenting are there due to drunken fighting, falling while pissed and other drinking related matters ..... No urgency there and if there is send them 5 mins up the road to a better hospital

So the wait people currently experience in the hospital 5 mins up the road is going to get much worse. No money will be given to it to help with the increase in numbers, no further beds for emergency admissions will magically become available. Regardless of how much of a waste of time a lot of the clientel are, they aren't going to magically disappear, they are going to clog up the A and E depts. left.

mikemac

Paul.C wrote: »

This hospital is a valuable asset to the area and ignoring this closure will result in nothing more than Job cuts and needless fatalities.

I suppose what's happening in Dublin, well it's already happened around Ireland
And if you live in West Clare it can be over sixty km to Limerick Regional since they downgraded Ennis

There were plently of posts on boards about unviable county hospitals and the need to centralize.

Maybe if the nearest hospital to James Connolly was sixty km away your first post would be different OP
But for now, the Mater and Beaumont are close so realy, your situation isn't that bad

The_Thing

On the few occasions that I've had to attend an A+E department it always seemed to be full of travellers, clogging up a system thay didn't contribute a cent towards.

swordofislam

Paul.C wrote: »

Also the negative affect of staff cuts here will choke Dublin-West even more.

Not my problem. Hospitals exist to serve patients they are not a job creation scheme.

Paul.C wrote: »

I am directing all the blame here at the HSE and the present-government in general and not at the staff and hospital itself.

Nothing to do with the last government at all.

I will organise a close Blanch hospital campaign. If it was gone we could go to decent hospitals like James', Mater and Beaumont.

Paul.C

mikemac wrote: »

I suppose what's happening in Dublin, well it's already happened around Ireland
And if you live in West Clare it can be over sixty km to Limerick Regional since they downgraded Ennis

There were plently of posts on boards about unviable county hospitals and the need to centralize.

Maybe if the nearest hospital to James Connolly was sixty km away your first post would be different OP
But for now, the Mater and Beaumont are close so realy, you're situation isn't that bad

If we built a massive hospital in Dublin city centre that could cope with the population of Dublin then I wouldnt have posted at all. If the A+E closes in blanchardstown then there will be massive increases in other hospitals that are already running at the limit.

To my knowledge, the population of fingal is 273,051 a lot of which are in JCs catchment area. It runs services to a population of 290,000. The Hospital’s catchment area extends into West Dublin, Meath & Kildare.

These numbers would indicate a massive increase in numbers attending the mater hospital which don't really look sustainable. I would understand the HSEs move if the mater was massively extended and necessary staff were transferred over, but will that happen? I dont believe so, I believe they will shut it down and panic when the mater is overrun with patients.

Paul.C

whippet wrote: »

Jcmh to beaumont in an ambulance after hours would take a matter of five minutes .... And more serious cases presented to these hospitals are in many cases diverted or transferred to Beaumont .. Espc head injuries.

I've been in the a&e at blanch late at night and the vast majority of people presenting are there due to drunken fighting, falling while pissed and other drinking related matters ..... No urgency there and if there is send them 5 mins up the road to a better hospital

JC to beaumont is 15.7km at the fastest route. An ambulance driving at 100kmph would make it in 9 minutes. Dont forget it would have to come from there too. Thats 18 minutes, plus delays plus initial first aid etc. It could be 35mins plus to from 999 call to arrival at hospital. And lets not forget that ambulances rarely arrive fast. Also thats from JC right beside M50. D15 is a very big area and to the furthest point in the catchment area can take another 10-15minutes each way. So yes it would have an affect on some people. For a person after suffering stroke or massive heart attack this could be the difference between life and death etc.