Galway Bay FM News Archives
BUDGET & STAFF CUTS BUT WAITING TIMES CUT AT GALWAY HOSPITALS
Date Published: 26-Jan-2013
Despite staff and budgetsbeing cuts public hospitals in Galway and Roscommon dealt with more patients and cut waiting times for most procedures during the past year.
Figures presented at this month’s meeting of the Galway and Roscommon University Hospital Group showed an increas of 10 per cent in day cases, 4 per cent in outpaitent appointments, a 2 per cent increase at emergency departments and inpatient numbers up by 1 per cent.
The Galway-based public hospitals group met the Department of Health’s target for inpatient waiting lists that no adult should wait longer than 9 months, children no longer than 20 weeks and people requiring scopes being seen within 13 weeks.
Progress was made regarding the length of time patients had to wait for admission at the emergency departments (ED) in Galway hospitals.
In February there were on average 24 patients waiting for admission at 8am and by November this number had reduced to 12.
Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, made greater strides,even though the numbers at the emergency department increased,from 21,229 in 2011 to 22,892 last year. In December on average over 89% of patients attending the ED in Portiuncula were seen and discharged within 6 hours.
The hospital groups budget was cut by 25 million Euro to 287 million Euro and staff numbers were reduced by 105 on the figure for 2011 to 3,900 with absenteeism down to 4.69 per cent last year from 5.16 per cent in 2011.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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