The Health Minister says clinical advice would not steer towards the re-opening of the ED at Ennis Hospital.
Stephen Donnelly has appeared before the Oireachtas Health Committee to discuss hospital overcrowding, as well as a reduction in waiting lists for the first time since 2015.
University Hospital Limerick has witnessed in excess of 80 patients on trolleys on a consistent basis in recent months, according to INMO figures, and the Minister admits the current outcome could have been different if the necessary capacity and resources were in place before proceeding with reconfiguration.
Speaking at the Oireachtas Health Committee meeting, Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe said he believes the next logical step is to re-open the Ennis A&E, but Minister Donnelly says it wouldn’t be safe because requisite skills and diagnostics simply aren’t there, but he insists there is ongoing investment to boost services in the facility.
You can listen to the full interview below:
