Fears Over Impact On Patients If MAU Services Are Scaled Back

Photo © Pat Flynn

Fears have been expressed about the impact on patients in Clare if the Medical Assessment Unit in Ennis were to be scaled back.

The UL Hospitals Group has acknowledged it’s carrying out a review of the MAU at Ennis General, as Deputy Michael Harty claims a proposal has been made to reduce the unit from seven days a week to five.

Hospital Management are now being called on to ensure this doesn’t happen as Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports:

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The Medical Assessment Unit at Ennis General is the only such facility in the region to be open seven days a week.

Its work, in part, helps reduce overcrowding at the chronically overcrowded ED in Limerick – its weekend operations are now being reviewed, although the UL Hospitals Group says no decision has yet been made.

The issue has been raised in the Dáil by Clare Independent TD Dr Michael Harty who has criticised hospital management, saying any reduction of the service makes no sense.

Fears are now being expressed that patient health in this county will be significantly impacted as a result of the potential changes.

Miltown Malbay GP, Dr Billy O’Connell says the unit is vital.

While a Clare member of the HSE’s Regional Health Forum believes that keeping the MAU open seven days a week should be a consideration in efforts to tackle the overcrowding crisis at the region’s main hospital.

Former Mayor of Ennis Ann Norton insists the Taoiseach must revise his position and intervene in the matter to ensure further cuts to the health services in this county are prevented.

These people have been telling Clare FM that any downgrade of services at Ennis General Hospital would be a worrying move.