Minister in Limerick to meet with HSE officials amid ongoing trolley crisis at UHL

MINISTER for Public Expenditure and Reform, Jack Chambers has met with key HSE officials amid ongoing trolley crisis at UHL.

The visit included the 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and a tour of the Community Nursing Unit at Saint Camillus’s, both representing significant Government investment in the region’s healthcare capacity.

THE number of patients on trolleys in UHL is nearing the highest-ever record as 130 patients were waiting for beds there yesterday. The highest number of patients on trolleys ever recorded at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) was 150 on February 7, 2024. This figure dropped to 106 this morning. 

Senator Dee Ryan organised the visit and facilitated a meeting between Minister Chambers and the HSE Mid-West Regional Clinical Director, Dr Catherine Peters. During the briefing, Dr Peters outlined the further investment required in the Mid-West and outlined the HSE Mid-West's proposal for addressing the ongoing trolley crisis at UHL.

READ MORE: Number of patients on trolleys in UHL edges closer to highest-ever record

Minister Chambers highlighted the Government’s strong commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and staffing levels in Limerick and the wider Mid-West region.

"As evidenced by the ongoing expansion of the site, the Government is determined to support investment in additional beds, facilities, and healthcare workers to tackle the challenges at UHL and deliver better outcomes for patients, ” Minister Chambers said.

“Today I have seen the new 96 bed block at UHL and the work underway on the second 96 bed block funded by Government. I also visited the impressive new Community Nursing Unit at St Camillus’s and spoke to the residents about their improved experience in the new facilities."

"I was briefed on progress of the Surgical Hub under construction at the former Scoil Carmel site and what cumulatively all of these important investments will mean for treating people across the Mid-West. It’s clear there has been significant investment in healthcare in Limerick and Government wants to build on this momentum to support greater capacity for the region in the period ahead."

Senator Dee Ryan added:

“I invited Minister Chambers to see first-hand the scale of the investment already delivered in Limerick and to hear directly from the HSE about what more is needed. This engagement is critical to ensuring that we continue to build capacity and resolve the long-standing issues at UHL.”

The visit marks another step in the Government’s commitment to improving healthcare services across the Mid-West, with ongoing focus on capacity, staffing, and patient care.