Clare’s Independent TD says there will never be a “perfect day” for staff to move into the new emergency department at the region’s main hospital.
The opening of the new ED is scheduled for Monday, but the INMO has raised concerns over staffing levels, plans to deal with trolley numbers and what the union claims is an insufficient number of practice runs or simulations to see how it would work.
The UL Hospitals Group has defended its practices, saying over 90 new staff have been hired, and is insisting that training has been provided.
Dr Harty believes the opening must press ahead:
Meanwhile, trolley figures at the hospital remain high today.
According to the INMO, there are 35 patients without a bed at University Hospital Limerick this afternoon – with only University Hospital Galway experiencing higher levels of admissions.
