Sligo /Leitrim Deputy Marian Harkin is echoing a call from the INMO for private hospitals to be used for all non-elective surgeries scheduled at local hospitals.
The call comes as part of efforts to find solutions to constant overcrowding at several hospitals across the country including Sligo which is one of the worst affected.
Deputy Harkin says the Minister confirmed to her in the Dail in recent days that he is using private hospitals for the National Treatment Purchase Fund, but she says this isn't enough.
The Independent TD says many people are suffering because their non-elective surgeries are being cancelled due to overcrowding.
She says if these cases were moved to private hospitals it would have the double benefit of freeing up space, but also making sure that people get the producers they need.
