Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has said that those responsible for a HSE Memo which suggested minimal force could be used to remove patients from hospital beds and also referred to them as “trespassers” should be sacked.
Commenting on the Memo, which was brought to light by RTE, Michael Fitzmaurice “The notion that the HSE would ask nurses to use force to remove patients from beds is absolutely unbelievable.” He went on to say that it is “a further indication of the disconnect that there is between some of the people who run our health service and the most important people of all, who are the patients.
“The callous tone of this statement is quite astonishing and to suggest that anyone in a civilised society would be treated in this manner is quite shocking. This memo thankfully was withdrawn on the 28th of October after being issued on the 11th Of October and I note that it’s contents have been criticised and rightly so, by Minister Simon Harris.”
Michael Fitzmaurice concluded by saying “It is about time people in the HSE take responsibility for their actions. The notion that our health service is a caring one has been dealt another severe blow by this unforgivable action of the HSE. I am calling on the Minister and The HSE management to act on this matter immediately”.