It’s been suggested than an “absurd” planning rule could be preventing further expansion of emergency care at the region’s main hospital.
It’s just one of the points raised with the Minister for Health over the course of her meetings with Clare’s politicians and healthcare campaigners during her visit to the Midwest this week.
Fine Gael Minister Jennifer Caroll MacNeill’s first trip to the Dooradoyle facility has come on foot of the publication of the interim report on HIQA’s review examining the case for a second Emergency Department in the Midwest.
The interim report, which was initially expected by the middle of February contains no findings, but rather outlines in greater detail the methodology HIQA is using as it conducts its review.
Minister Caroll MacNeill has confirmed she expects the final review to be delivered in May as promised.
While the overcrowding crisis shows few signs of abating at University Hospital Limerick, Government figures indicate a 63% drop in the number of people waiting for a bed there after the Bank Holiday weekend, compared to the previous bank holiday.
The Minister insists this must be the baseline going forward.
While at the facility the Minister met with HSE Chief Executive Bernard Gloster and HSE Midwest Regional Executive Officer, Sandra Broderick, as well as local politicians and health campaigners.
Bodyke Fine Gael Deputy Joe Cooney says he’s made it known that the people of Clare want another hospital in the county.
With the first of two in-patient blocks at the Midwest facility nearing completion, Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe has become aware that current planning legislation is preventing further upward expansion.
He says the legislation must be relaxed to allow capacity to be boosted.
The Friends of Ennis Hospital, which has long lobbied for a Model 4 hospital in Clare’s county town, is one campaign group that met with the Health Minister this week.
Chairperson Angel Coll doesn’t believe anything will change until a new facility is constructed.
