The MidWest Hospital Campaign claims the Government’s new proposals to alleviate overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick will only offer “sticking plaster ” relief.
It follows a visit by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to UHL yesterday to announce a suite of measures aimed at tackling patient capacity issues in the MidWest.
Among the proposals put forward is the phased delivery of 24/7 operating hours at Medical Assessment Units in Ennis, Nenagh and St. John’s by the final quarter of the year.
As well as this, the Government will aim to provide 20 permanent step-down beds in Clare between July and August.
The first of two-new 96-bed blocks is currently under construction at University Hospital Limerick, but as this is being built over an existing nightingale ward, it would only increase bed capacity in real terms by 48.
But the new plans have identified space to add another 23 beds, bringing the total of new beds to 71 with this project due to be completed by early 2025.
Clare’s Green Party Senator believes that while the proposals will help to alleviate pressure, they must be implemented as soon as possible.
Inagh native Roisín Garvey says primary care facilities and GP services must also be expanded here so people do not have to live in fear of UHL.
You can listen to the full interview below.
Tomorrow officially marks 15 years since the closure of Accident and Emergency Departments at Ennis, Nenagh and St. John’s and Minister Stephen Donnelly has remained firm his belief that reconfiguration was the right approach.
But speaking at Dooradoyle yesterday, the Health Minister admitted this wasn’t done properly in 2009 and reassured the new measures announced will aim to provide the necessary supports that UHL never had in the past.
The MidWest Hospital Campaign, which protested outside Dooradoyle, believes they’re merely sticking plaster solutions.
Spokesperson Dr. Conor Reidy says the obsolete clinical advice against reopening the MidWest A&Es must be revised immediately.
You can listen to the full interview below.
University Hospital Limerick remains by far the most overcrowded facility in the country today with 85 patients recorded on trolleys there this morning according to nurses union, the INMO.
Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan says vacant nursing posts must be filled for the plans to be effective.
