Calls have been made for substantial resources to be made available to Ennis Hospital as a matter of urgency.
It comes as it’s emerged that patients in Clare who require an ambulance could be transported directly to Ennis General Hospital under new plans to take effect from next week.
There have been repeated calls this week for facilities at Ennis Hospital to be utilised more, in the wake of unprecendented attendences at University Hospital Limerick.
The Emergency Department has been under significant pressure, as the perfect storm of three respiratory viruses coupled with existing issues with overcrowding erupted.
A major internal incident was declared by the Hospital Crisis Management Team earlier this week, and a number of measures were taken to alleviate pressure at University Hospital Limerick – these are to remain in place over the coming days.
Reductions in scheduled care are also set to continue across UL Hospitals Group next week, though outpatient appointments are due to resume on Monday.
Up until now, all patients requiring transfer by ambulance had to go to Limerick, but it’s understood an agreement has now been reached whereby those who meet certain clinical criteria will be accepted directly by Ennis’ Medical Assessment Unit.
Kilkee-based Fianna Fail Councillor Cillian Murphy, who’s a member of the HSE’s Regional Health Forum West, believes it’s a small but signficiant step in healthcare provision in this county.
The move has also been welcomed by the Midwest Hospital Campaign group, which has been consistently calling for this and other measures to be introduced including the re-opening of the A&E unit in Ennis.
Clare group member, Noeleen Moran says it’s been widely acknowledged this week that centralisation was a mistake and insists it’s now time to implent alternatives.
The Ballyvaughan native has described the new plans as a positive step in the right direction, but she insists the necessary resources must be provided to Ennis Hospital, as a matter of urgency.
