Firstly we want to stress we are a non-political group of patients, all with a common goal …

To highlight the horror of A&E and to work for change in the A&E departments all across this wealthy nation.

Patients Together was formed when two mothers lay side by side on trolleys for four and five days in Oct 2004 (see story on story board)

You could say it was formed out of love.

Two families the Byrne’s and Mulreaney’s just couldn’t take it anymore, when our mothers lay suffering and terrified in A&E we had no option,we had to do something as no one seemed to be able to help get a bed for our very ill parents.

We were tired asking the nurses, pleading with the consultants, contacting Patients Services, Td’s and the Department of Health, but we were to learn, "No bed means No bed".

Twenty-four very sick people were in the queue for beds in that hospital that day. The A&E was in chaos, chairs and mattresses lay everywhere. It seemed as though some major catastrophe had occurred and it was total panic.

We had to stay with our parents for twenty four hours a day, firstly for safety and also for the basic toilet requirements as it is impossible for the weak and sick to be heard above the noise level.
The staff are worked off the feet, how they work in those conditions is beyond believe?

We decided to leave the hospital and took to the streets outside in protest. I suppose we just wanted people to know what was going on in our hospitals and embarrass the government into helping us.

How naive we were to believe that once the government heard how the people were suffering they would really want to make urgent changes. How wromg we were, seven months on, a meeting with the Minister for Health, three more protest, much media debate and things are actually worse

We now hear horrendous stories every day from all across the country.We are all united in one thing we all live in fear of A&E for ourselves and all our families.

One thing that has changed since Oct 2004, we have gathered huge support. We have had wonderful media coverage and things are changing. The word is out, people are angry and we believe we can make a difference if we unite and make our government priorities health as the main issue above all else.

In towns all across the country groups of ordinary people are joining together with one voice, people who are no longer willing to put up with the torture of A&E. It is the only way for change, People Power.

We will represent the patients again when we meet the minister on the 30th May. We will tell her your stories, just keep them coming.
And with all your support now she will have to listen.

Together we can make a difference