WATCH: University Hospital Limerick reacts to Taoiseach's comments on trolley crisis

THE UL HOSPITALS Group has reacted to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s comments that University Hospital Limerick “needs a different approach” in tackling its overcrowding crisis.

While responding to queries about UHL’s trolley crisis, the Limerick Leader asked the Taoiseach, a former Minister for Health, for his solutions to hospital overcrowding.

“Yes, it requires more resources, more staff, more beds. But we have had that for four years, now, in Limerick so clearly that is not enough. We’re going to need a different approach,” he replied, adding that it will require better use of Nenagh and Ennis hospitals, primary care and better management of patient pathways.

The UL Hospitals Group said that it notes the Taoiseach’s comments and “agrees that adding to bed capacity alone will not solve the problem of hospital overcrowding”.

A spokesperson said that a “multi-faceted approach” is required to tackle overcrowding “encompassing additional bed capacity, improved patient flow, and the development of integrated care programmes with community services — all of which are being addressed by UL Hospitals Group”.

The spokesperson said that it is implementing a number of initiatives at present. Its Red2Green initiative involves patient review to help manage discharge times every morning.

UHL has a dedicated phone line for its 24/7 Bed Bureau, which is manned by clinical staff and is a single point of contact for GPs, rendering access to acute services easier.

Last year, there were 17,053 calls to the Bed Bureau, an increase of 6% on 2017, the UL Hospitals Group said.

UHL also has an 8am to 8pm acute surgical assessment unit and a speciality ward for patients with particular conditions.

The hospital has an acute surgical short stay unit, which is a designated 12-bay unit, where patients are discharged within a 48 to 72-hour period.

On Tuesday evening, officials with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation briefed TDs in Limerick on overcrowding at UHL, and on what actions local TDs can take to help solve the issue.

On Wednesday, University Hospital Limerick set the new record for the highest number of trolleys in the emergency department and wards, with 81 patients treated on trolleys. It was the first time since March 22, 2013 that a record was set, when UHL had 80 patients on trolleys.

TDs in attendance at the meeting include Niall Collins, Maurice Quinlivan, Willie O’Dea and Tom Neville. 

Deputy Collins said an “independent review of the systems here is urgently required”.