The CEO of the UL Hospitals Group has defended the new strategy for midwest hospitals, and insists people in the region will feel the benefits.
It follows criticism over the handling of the health system here, with calls for the HSE to be by-passed to allow for the A&E to be re-opened at Ennis General to alleviate the trolley crisis in Limerick.
The UL Hospitals Group recently launched it’s five-year strategic plan for the six hospitals in Ennis, Limerick and Nenagh.
It focuses on a stronger link with community services, while harnessing digital technology – there’ll be over 160 projects, and each will have a dedicated manager and a timetable for delivery.
Plans are progressing on the provision of a 68-bed modular unit on the site of University Hospital Limerick, though funding hasn’t yet been signed off, while a 96 bed unit has been given the go-ahead but is several years away form completion.
But the strategic plan has received some criticism, with Clare’s Independent TD, Dr Michael Harty hitting out over a lack of consultation with primary care groups.
However, the CEO of the UL Hospitals Group has defended the plan saying it will benefit people here by boosting hospitals, such as Ennis, in a bid to help more patients.
It comes as Clare County Council has heard calls for regional health authorities, like the former health boards, to be re-instated.
The local authority is to write to Health Minister Simon Harris asking him to visit Ennis General Hospital with a view to re-opening the A&E at the county hospital on a full-time basis.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly has branded the HSE’s hospital policy as “gaga” and says something urgently needs to be done to improve the health service for Clare.
