Louth councillor calls for security to be reinstated at Out Lady of Lourdes Hospital

Sinn Féin Councillor Debbie McCole has repeated her calls for security to be reinstated in the Emergency Department of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

Cllr McCole, who is a paramedic, said: “Last August, the incredulous decision to reduce security staff in the Emergency Department was taken, leaving patients, visitors and staff exposed to regular incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“The explanation that was given was that over the Christmas period of 2024, disruptive behaviour increased so they added an extra security officer on a temporary basis, until August.

“The number of incidents including assaults on staff not to mention countless anecdotal evidence of increased incidents and anti-social behaviour suggests that the security situation has worsened, not improved since January and the reduction of security is a mistake.”

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Cllr McCole has become increasingly concerned lately.

“Incidents are increasing and are only going to rise as we are entering ‘Party Season’ approaching Christmas.

“The numbers attending the Emergency Department are also increasing as they do at this time every year and it’s not good enough to leave these vulnerable people exposed to distasteful, lewd or aggressive acts which are a regular occurrence in that Department.”

Given that an extra security officer was appointed in January after a rise in incidents over the Christmas period last year, Cllr McCole is asking “that we pre-empt the inevitable security situation that will occur this Christmas period and reinstate the security in the Emergency Department to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff alike.”