It’s hoped the restructuring of the HSE will lead to improved healthcare provision in the Midwest.
Health Minister Simon Harris is set to bring proposals to cabinet this week to establish regional boards, amid concerns that the Health Service is not fit for purpose.
Serious concern has emerged in recent weeks over the state of the Health Service in the Midwest, after record-equalling trolley numbers were recorded at the region’s main hospital last week.
81 patients were waiting for beds there at it’s peak, and while the level of overcrowding has dropped at the beginning of this week, University Hospital Limerick is still the most overcrowded in the country.
The INMO has said 60 patients were waiting on trolleys there this morning, 34 of those in the Emergency Department alone.
Last week, Clare’s Fine Gael TDs were urged to pull their support for Government until there’s adequate change within the health service, but Minister of State Pat Breen doesn’t believe that’s necessary.
Now it’s emerged that Minister Simon Harris is to bring proposals to cabinet which would see the establishment of six regional boards.
It would mean a partial return to the old health board system that existed before the HSE was established 15 years ago, which would give more power back to local boards to manage all aspects of healthcare.
Fianna Fail’s health spokesperson says people don’t really care about the organisational structures of the executive.
Stephen Donnelly says they just want to know if they’ll get better access to the health service and is it affordable.
Barefield Councillor Ann Norton, has long campaigned for change within the HSE, saying it’s simply not fit for purpose.
The Independent Councillor insists that any change is better than none.
