I thank the Chair for giving me the opportunity to raise this matter and the Minister of State for coming into the House to reply. The Irish Hospital Consultants Association has expressed alarm at conditions in Naas Hospital which continue to deteriorate. As the Minister of State is aware, the Naas Hospital development programme was approved more than one year ago. In the intervening period conditions in the hospital have worsened considerably. The problem of overcrowding is now much more serious. The lack of facilities is accentuated by the demands imposed by an increasing population in its catchment area.
I do not want to be political but I remind the Minister of State's senior colleague that this time last year he paid a much publicised visit to Naas Hospital when he expressed deep concern at conditions in the hospital. He tore out his hair, beat his breast and said there would be no delay in the provision of the extra facilities required. This should be done without further delay.
I could engage in a similar stunt but I have no wish to do so as this is not an issue on which one should engage in political acrobatics. As a matter of extreme urgency officials of the Department and the health board should travel to Naas and acknowledge the situation is serious. Patients are being cared for in wards which were not built for that purpose, many have to wait for long periods in corridors and waiting areas before being treated. The staff are under extreme pressure. This is not in the best interests of patient care or the reputation of the hospital. The gesticulations should stop. Action should be taken immediately.
I have raised this matter on a number of occasions in the past six to eight months. I hope I will not have to raise it again. The time for exploring the issue here has long since past. It is time for the Minister to make his annual visit to Naas Hospital.