Time to end crisis at UHL

Sinn Féin has tabled a motion outlining the urgent action that Government must take to end the crisis at UHL.

Sinn Féin's health plan for the Mid West is focussed on delivering safe and accessible urgent and emergency care services which are based on the region's population.

Teachta Martin Browne said: “Sinn Féin has a plan to end the crisis in the Midwest and deliver safe healthcare services. We would fast track the necessary capacity to make UHL safe and deliver 24/7 urgent care at Ennis, Nenagh, and St John's Hospitals.

“Acute healthcare delivery in the Mid-West Region must be safe, population based, and clinically underpinned. Fifteen years since the closure of Ennis, Nenagh, and St John’s emergency departments, capacity at UHL is still below the recommended level. Taking into account population growth and demographic change, there is a compelling case now for a second model 3 hospital with an emergency department for the region.

“The recent Clarke report noted that the UHL site is nearing capacity. The HIQA review of emergency care must be tasked with examining a suitable location for the scaling up of services to provide a partner for UHL.

“But the people of the Mid West cannot wait years for a second model 3 hospital.

“The HSE must also invest in digitally assisted and high-quality home care, and urgent care alternatives in Ennis, Nenagh, and Limerick. De-escalation, better care pathways, and alternatives to the emergency department will need to be scaled up rapidly while this is underway.

“Sinn Féin has a plan to deliver capacity at UHL, and invest in emergency and urgent care across the Mid West.

“As well as investment in UHL, the Mid West needs protected capacity for scheduled care to end the disruptions and cancellations.”