The MidWest Hospital Campaign insists the focus of stakeholders must be on fighting for the reopening of all three former A&Es at Ennis, Nenagh and St. Johns.
It’s in response to comments from Kilkee Fianna Fáil Councillor Cillian Murphy, who suggested that a singular focus from politicians and campaigners to lobby for only the Ennis A&E is the best solution for the region.
University Hospital Limerick remains the busiest facility in the country today, with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation recording 85 patients without a bed there this morning.
It’s the first day this week the trolley count at UHL has dipped below the 100 mark since a new national overcrowding record was set on Monday.
The ongoing problem for service users in the MidWest has sparked renewed calls for an urgent solution including from Fianna Fáil’s Cillian Murphy.
The Kilkee Councillor told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that a consensus from politicians and campaigners alike to lobby for the reopening of an A&E in Ennis only is the best solution for the wider region.
The comments have met sharp criticism from the MidWest Hospitals Campaign group though, which claims the reinstatement of one ED should not take priority over another.
Ballyvaughan-based Spokesperson, Noeleen Moran is adamant that a persistent approach from activists in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary is needed to force the Government’s hand.
A Clare Government TD, meanwhile, claims that there too many patients presenting unnecessarily at University Hospital Limerick’s Emergency Department.
In the first five months of last year, Ennis General Hospital received 68 patients under the new Medical Assessment Unit Pathway project, who otherwise would have been sent to UHL.
Meelick Deputy and Oireachtas Health Committee member Cathal Crowe believes Ennis General is capable of taking a much greater load.
You can listen to the full interview below.
