Tackling overcrowding at UHL

North Tipperary’s three TDs have each given their reactions to the news that the Government has accepted all three proposals outlined in the recent HIQA report into addressing overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick and expanding healthcare in the midwest.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio recently, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill confirmed that the Government intends to progress all three options in parallel. The three options put forward by HIQA in the report include A. Increasing existing capacity at UHL; B. Establishing a second site close to the main campus in Dooradoyle; and C. Developing a new model-3 hospital in the midwest which would provide a second emergency department for the region.

Devil in the detail

Labour Party TD Alan Kelly broadly welcomed the announcement. However, speaking in the Dáil during Leader’s Questions, he said that “the devil will be in the detail” in terms of how the Government can deliver the 600 beds which the midwest region will require by 2040. He said that it was “his belief that options B and C need to be merged and delivered in stages as one project,” along with the upgrading of services in Nenagh and Ennis. The Deputy questioned the financial feasibility of the plan, stating that the HSE “simply does not have enough capital funding allocated to it for a project of this scale.” Rounding off his statement, he called for an end to “discrimination against the midwest” when it comes to healthcare.

Deputy Ryan O’Meara (FF) expressed his delight that the Cabinet had approved the HIQA recommendations, and said that he had been in contact with Taoiseach Micheál Martin following the Cabinet meeting informing him that all three options were being progressed. He said that he had been part of a cross-party group of TDs and Senators who had been working to advance the recommendations put forward by HIQA, and that it was “far beyond time” that this news was received. He said that “we are seeing Government commit to a better, safer, and fit for purpose healthcare system for the people of the midwest” and his attention will now turn to the delivery of these proposals.

In a statement, Deputy Michael Lowry (Ind) also welcomed the news, saying that the issue was a top priority for him during government formation talks. He said “the people of the midwest had been subjected to a hospital service that was not fit for purpose for too long.” People have been forced to “endure extreme stress” as they fear requiring A&E services at UHL, he said. Deputy Lowry highlighted the fact that HIQA also provided a range of additional recommendations, including “system-wide work that must be progressed in parallel.” He said that “the news that all options will be introduced will be warmly welcomed across the midwest”.

Strategic plan

In terms of how the plan will be implemented, Minister Carroll MacNeill said that up to 306 new beds will be delivered to UHL under current plans and that this will progress the option A component. She said there are also additional beds planned for Nenagh, Ennis and St John’s, and that this would amount to 420 beds from 2024 to 2031. In relation to option B, the minister said work is ongoing to identify a suitable site in the Limerick area, but she would not be drawn on where. Consideration will be also be given to certain services that could be relocated to Nenagh, Ennis or St John’s, in order to alleviate congestion at UHL. "A strategic plan” will be developed to progress option C, which entails the building of a new model-3 hospital. This is regarded as the longest term option and would be “least capable of addressing emergency capacity deficits,” according to the HIQA report.