The Health Minister has confirmed that an independent expert review of the region’s main hospital is to be carried out.
It follows record trolley numbers at University Hospital Limerick in recent weeks – an all-time high of 81 were on trolleys on one day last month, while a total of over 1,200 were in that situation across April; the highest ever figure in the country.
In response, a clinical, analytical review will take place for all hospital groups and community health organisations, beginning with the UL Hospitals Group, with particular focus on the emergency department at Dooradoyle.
The announcement comes just days before a protest taking place in Ennis this Sunday, where hundreds are expected to gather in O’Connell Square calling for more to be done to tackle the overcrowding situation.
Clare’s Junior Minister Pat Breen has been telling Clare FM’s James Mulhall that the public’s input will be key in this review:
Meanwhile, nurses say the level of overcrowding at the region’s main hospital is continuing to rise.
The latest INMO figures show 64 patients were waiting on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick during monring rounds, 46 of those in the emergency department.
The remaining 18 were being accommodated in overflow areas of wards.
The Dooradoyle facility is the most overcrowded in the country, with overall figures 30 more than the next busiest hospital.
