The Taoiseach says that opening a second emergency department in the mid-west shouldn’t be ruled out.
He’s ben talking about the ongoing overcrowding situation at UHL which serves north Tipperary since the ED was shut down in Nenagh 15 years ago.
The numbers of patients admitted without beds has been reduced this week after the cancellation of elective and scheduled services across the ULHG hospital group including at Nenagh General.
However it is still one of the most overcrowded in the country.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly last week spoke about the reforms that need to be put in place into the management of University Hospital Limerick.
Taoiseach Simon Harris agrees and says reports into UHL are due shortly:
”I think when it comes to the Mid-West we should have an openness to a second Emergency Department if that is the outcome of the HIQA review.
There is absolutely a need for more bed capacity in the Mid-West. I recognise that. The minister recognises that we have increased bed capacity significantly.”
