The INO has been complaining about overcrowding in A&E for years but what have they done about it. They went on strike a couple of years ago, a report was commissioned and overcrowding where trolleys were stacked beside trolleys still continued.

It always amazes me that they complain but nurses and doctors who work in A&E still do not report the matter to the Health and Safety Authority and the fire safety officers.

Situations where there is overcrowding, doors are being blocked by trolleys, and there are difficulties in ergonomics etc do constitute a hazard under the Acts!

There are also serious issues for patient privacy. How can a patient expect confidentiality in relation to their medical condition, or privacy in attending to personal care needs.

On the more serious end of the spectrum we also have people who are seriously ill and reaching the end of life - where's the privacy for these people to die with dignity! What health professionals need to remember is that experience and environment in which a relative passes away does affect their relatives ability to progress through the different stages of bereavement.