Alan Kelly questions minister's pledge on hospitals

Local Labour Party TD Alan Kelly said the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly needs to explain why his commitments on Medical Assessment Units in the Mid West - including the one in Nenagh Hospital - won’t, apparently, be met.

In a statement, Deputy Kelly said: “In early April, Minister Donnelly announced some measures to help alleviate the overcrowding crisis in UHL.

“One of these was a very positive one: that Medical Assessment Units (MAUs) in Nenagh, Ennis and St John's hospital in Limerick would be opened 24/7.

“Indeed, in a parliamentary response sent to me on April 8 this year it was confirmed by the HSE that this would happen by Q4 2024.

“I had great concerns at the time about this commitment as I was informed by many working in the HSE that this seemed impossible given the current limits on staffing, the recruitment embargo and the fact that there are no labs in Model 2 hospitals.

Deputy Kelly said it had now been confirmed to him by management in the HSE in the Mid West that the opening of these MAUs on a 24/7 basis will not happen any time soon.

“Indeed the aim now is to hopefully get them open until midnight by the end of the year - if recruitment for positions needed in them is completed.

“ Many workers within the HSE however don't believe this is highly likely across the network of Model 2 hospitals in the Mid West either.

“So, what is Minister Donnelly giving unrealistic commitments to the public in the Mid West for? He needs to come out and explain this immediately. The people of the Mid West deserve better,” concluded Deputy Kelly.