Calls for investigation after report reveals Naas Hospital has highest death rates for strokes in country

Serious concern is being voiced following a new report revealing Naas Hospital has the highest national rate of deaths for haemorrhagic strokes.

North Kildare Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy is appealing for an investigation following a report in the National Healthcare Quality Report System, stating that Naas has three times higher death rates than the bigger hospitals.

Beaumont Hospital in Dublin had an 12% rate of deaths due to haemorrhagic strokes, in contrast to Naas Hospital with a level of 35%, the highest in the country.

Deputy Catherine Murphy said:”There can be no doubt that this is a cause for serious concern and immediate investigation as to the reasons for this anomaly.”

A statement from Naas Hospital said:” Naas General Hospital has an Acute Stroke Unit which is staffed by a skilled multidisciplinary team, providing high quality care to all stroke patients admitted to the hospital.”

The spokesperson added: “This Unit cares for a range of stroke patients, including acute, haemorrhagic stroke patients which have higher mortality rates than other, less acute strokes.

Our acute stroke focus means we are treating more patients from across the region, at levels equivalent to large hospitals in main urban areas.  We have a strong track record in rehabilitating and supporting patients and are committed to maintaining this.

The statistics for death rates at Naas General  have been released at a time when fears for the future of the 24 hour A&E service at Portlaoise Hospital are mounting.

Over 1,000 people attended a meeting at St Mary’s Hall, Portlaoise, on Monday, following leaked reports from Co Laois doctors which speculates that the future of the 24 hours A&E is uncertain.

Fianna Fail Deputy Sean Fleming is concerned that Naas A&E is ‘dangerously overcrowded.’

He fears that the impending closure of Portlaoise A&E will lead to increasing pressure on Naas.

Deputy Fleming said: “I have been at Naas A&E and the corridor is crowded head to toe. It is already a dangerous situation in Naas.”