EXCLUSIVE: Taoiseach makes pledge on new 96-bed unit at UHL

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has said plans for a new, second 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) will be revealed by this Easter.

The comments come after almost 100 doctors and consultants at UHL signed an open letter to urge change at the facility.

In a statement released exclusively to the Limerick Leader, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed he is to “visit the hospital soon”.

“Government is committed to improving the situation and increasing hospital bed capacity in the Mid-West region. Since 2020 a total of 122 inpatient acute beds were opened in ULHG, of which 98 were added to the bed stock at University Hospital Limerick (UHL),” outlines his statement.

“Minister Donnelly TD has also turned the sod on the next phase of expansion of the UHL site: a 96-bed block, representing a total capital investment of more than €90m. Plans are due to be submitted to the HSE nationally for a second 96-bed block in the first quarter of this year.”

87 consultants at UHL demand change in open letter

The Fine Gael leader raised the issue in a parliamentary party meeting last week with colleagues, a source stating the former Minister for Health and doctor spoke about the Limerick hospital issue at length.

“I know that ULHG have also continued to drive service improvements at Model 2 sites in Ennis, Nenagh and St John's Hospitals, and the recent introduction of a Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) pathway for 112/999 patients at Ennis Hospital, is hugely important in respect of patient flow and access,” said the Taoiseach’s statement to the Limerick Leader/Limerick Live.

“I am also keen for the HSE to develop its plans for a surgical hub in Limerick to improve waiting times for certain day case procedures. I understand construction is to begin on the new Bon Secours hospital in Limerick quite soon and I encourage the UL Hospitals Group to begin early discussions with them. We know how effectively University Hospital Waterford uses the Whitfield Hospital and it makes sense for Limerick hospitals to get in early to see if they can make use of the new private hospital when it is built and engage with Bon Secours on their ideas.”

Elsewhere, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly held talks with his Fianna Fail colleagues Willie O’Dea, Cathal Crowe and Jackie Cahill on the UHL crisis.

In a document presented to the trio, he laid out plans to prioritise extra beds in the region and “alternative investment”.