Report on second emergency department for Limerick region 'due in January'

THE TAOISEACH has said an interim report which could pave the way for a second emergency department in the region looks set to be published in the new year.

Speaking exclusively to the Limerick Leader, Simon Harris said “radical” changes are needed to healthcare provision in the Mid-West.

And this is why he has instructed the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) to carry out a study reviewing the need for a second ED unit locally. It comes as the number of people waiting on trolleys in the region’s only ED, at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), remains high.

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Early last week, 105 people were waiting for treatment at the Dooradoyle hospital, putting it at the top of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation’s trolleywatch table.

“As you know, we have asked Hiqa to look at the issue of a second ED for the Mid-West. That’s due to report in May of next year. It’s due to provide an interim report in the meantime, probably in January of next year,” said Mr Harris.

He added: “We have to follow medical advice. I am not a doctor. It’s really important that we base any decision on clinical need. But I am a former Health Minister. I am the Taoiseach, and I am convinced there needs to be more beds in UHL - of course there does. Yes, the changes they are making in terms of running the hospital are important. But I just think something a bit more radical is required, and that’s why we have asked Hiqa to do this review.”

The Taoiseach was speaking after addressing the Limerick Chamber’s annual President’s Dinner and Regional Business Awards on Friday night, where he was the keynote speaker.

During his speech, his comments around the Hiqa report drew applause from those present at the Limerick Strand Hotel.

Earlier on that Friday while on the canvass in Ennis, Mr Harris had stopped short on promising a second ED for the region.

But addressing Limerick’s business community, he said: “I remain unconvinced this region can manage with one ED. That’s why we have asked Hiqa to look at how we can establish a second ED in the Mid-West.”

He also said staff working in health do an “incredible job”.