The Health Inspection Quality Authority has carried out an unannounced inspection of University Hospital Limerick.
The examination ha been confirmed by HSE CEO Bernard Gloster at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health today.
On the 2nd of January, a major internal incident was declared at University Hospital Limerick due to a record high number of patients presenting at the Emergency Department.
The development led to all Outpatient Appointments scheduled for the next day at the Dooradoyle facility being cancelled.
At the time, the UL Hospitals Group stated that the surge in activity at the Hospital was brought about by a sudden spike in respiratory infections including Covid-19, flu and RSV.
For Clare’s local representatives the focus has now shifted to ensuring there is no repeat event this Winter.
Just one month ago, a new overcrowding record was set at UHL, when the INMO documented 130 admitted patients on trolleys on October 23rd.
Responding to a question from Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway at the Oireachtas Health Committee this morning, HSE CEO Bernard Gloster confirmed that HIQA has carried out an unannounced visit to UHL just yesterday.
A report from the oversight body in June, found that patient privacy and dignity continued to be impacted at Dooradoyle, but on this occasion, Mr Gloster says initial indications for risk management this Winter are positive.
In the first week of October, a daily average of 228 patients presented at Limerick’s Emergency Department.
With this activity expected to significantly ramped up over the coming weeks, Mr Gloster says an increased emphasis will be placed on providing out of hours GP services and access to diagnostics, through UHL’s Winter Readiness Programme.
You can listen to the full report below.
