Louth Independent Ireland candidate scathing of Minister for Health

Louth Independent Ireland general election candidate, Ryan McKeown, has slammed Minister of Health Stephen Donnelly in relation to healthcare in the county.

Ryan McKeown said that: “the Minister of Health needs to get his head out of the gutter. The way the people of Louth are being treated when it comes to healthcare is shameful and sickening.”

He continued: “Last week, I spent hours in Drogheda Hospital’s emergency department with my unwell girlfriend, and what I witnessed was deeply disturbing. First and foremost, my heart goes out to the nurses and doctors who are dramatically overworked and understaffed.

“I spoke to an elderly man who had been rushed in by ambulance with a suspected heart attack. After a quick assessment, he was sent back to the waiting room, still in pain. He had been there since 9:30 a.m., and by 8 p.m., he was still waiting. His daughter repeatedly approached the front desk to ask about the delay, only to be told to sit down—or risk being removed from the premises.

“Another young woman with a head injury sat waiting, blood-soaked bandages wrapped around her head. One man who had fallen off a ladder and injured his back was left in excruciating pain on a metal chair. A pregnant woman, clearly suffering, sat on a chair comforted by her husband, who had no choice but to sit on the floor beside her.

“The waiting room was packed with trolleys and patients; even the vending machines weren't working to provide water. People who arrived early in the morning were still there, suffering and waiting for urgent care, while staff rushed around doing their best in impossible conditions.

“I challenge the Minister of Health to step out of his office and spend a day in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital to see firsthand what patients endure to receive medical assistance and the strain that staff experience every single day.

“This government has failed our healthcare system, throwing money at problems without creating real solutions. When election time comes, ask them why they closed Louth County Hospital.

“Health is our greatest wealth, yet it's clear that FF, FG, and the Greens care little for the welfare of our people or our healthcare professionals. We need action, not empty promises. An independent Ireland has the solutions to confront this healthcare crisis head-on.

“This government needs to wake up; they have resources for unnecessary scandals, but think it's acceptable for people to be treated with such neglect. The people of Louth have a choice. When the time comes, vote them out. Don’t settle for the same empty promises we’ve heard every election.”