A shortage of junior Doctors in the Mid-West could threaten services at Ennis General Hospital.
The news comes as the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick is short four doctors in its Emergency Department, a shortfall which will affect services and create long delays for some patients from Monday.
The daytime A and E at Ennis General Hospital is currently being staffed by doctors who are sourced through agencies at higher costs, so it’s unclear whether that situation can continue.
Emergency Medicine Consultant Dr Cathal O’Donnell has told Clare FM he’s not contemplating cutbacks in Ennis services for now, but the situation after the end of July is uncertain.
Cathal O’Donnell says the doctor shortage in the Mid-West is down to a number of factors including increased regulation for junior doctors, new difficulties faced by foreign doctors face in getting visas as well as public sector pay cuts.
Clare Fine Gael TD Pat Breen says the situation should have been addressed sooner, and he’s calling on the Health Minister to make sure Ennis General isn’t subject to any further cuts in services.
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