The Taoiseach hasn’t ruled out a feared downgrade of Medical Assessment Unit services at Ennis General Hospital.
It follows concerns raised by Clare’s Independent TD Dr Michael Harty that the unit is in danger of being reduced from seven days a week to five.
The UL Hospitals Group has confirmed that a review is being carried out into the weekend opening of the MAU, but no decision has yet been made.
Dr Harty fears a reduction in the service would further compound the overcrowding problem at University Hospital Limerick, which regularly tops the INMO’s daily trolley watch report.
He’s urging the government to take action but Taoiseach Leo Varadkar insists that any decision on the MAU’s future will ultimately boil down to the UL Hospitals Group.
Statement From The UL Hospitals Group:
“UL Hospitals Group regularly undertakes reviews of services provided across all hospital sites to ensure they are fit for purpose, address a specific patient need and are the best use of finite resources. A review is being carried out into the weekend opening of the Medical Assessment Unit in Ennis Hospital, however no decision has been made at this time.”
