Fears That Lives At Risk On Account Of Overcrowding At UHL

Photo (c) ClareFM

A Clare member of the HSE’s Regional Health Forum West fears patients’ lives are at risk this winter on account of rising levels of overcrowding at the region’s main hospital.

University Hospital Limerick has seen high levels of admissions in recent days, as they face into the winter months which is a traditionally busy time in all hospitals.

It has led to concern that UHL will be pushed to the brink in the coming months.

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Despite progression on a number of measures to alleviate overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick, more than 50 patients were left waiting for a bed at the Dooradoyle facility every day last week.

Today, that figure has dropped significantly to 30.

That’s despite the opening of a new 17-bed short stay unit in the old emergency department in recent months while plans are progressing on a new 96-bed unit aimed at alleviating pressure on the ED.

Independent Clare TD Dr Michael Harty, who’s the Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health, says the situation as it is doesn’t bode well.

The flu season has just got underway, which tends to see a jump in the number of people who present at the emergency department.

This year, concern has been expressed that a wave of winter flu will sweep across Ireland and have a worrying impact on Ireland’s whole network of hospitals, where trolley numbers are already high.

Independent Sixmilebridge Councillor PJ Ryan is a member of the HSE’s Regional Health Forum West – is worried a life-threatening condition may be missed because of the number of patients who are waiting on trolleys.