The HSE’s new Regional Health Executive Officer in the Midwest is appealing to all stakeholders in Clare to support their plan to improve health services in the region.
It comes amid concern over persistent high levels of overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick, with trolley numbers dipping below 100 for the first time in a month last week.
The new HSE health regions plan will see the introduction of six health regions from March 1st, as part of the broader implantation of the Sláintecare plan.
An Executive Officer has been appointed in each health region, with Sandra Broderick taking up her position in the Midwest ahead of time, in December last year.
Formerly the HSE’s Assistant National Director responsible for services for older people, Ms Broderick has significant experience in health and social care service delivery both internationally and in Ireland.
She now has responsibility for UL Hospitals, HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare and Mid-West Public Health and reports directly to HSE CEO Bernard Gloster.
Sandra Broderick says one of her key focusses will be building on community services.
There have been mounting concerns over the level of overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick in recent months, with trolley numbers exceeding any other hospital in the country on a persistent basis.
Ms Broderick has told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that capacity issues in the Midwest are widely acknowledged and “there’s no doubt” in her mind that processes at UHL can be improved, but she says they’re working to make constant improvements for patients.
Campaign groups in the Midwest have long called for the three A&E’s at Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s hospitals to be re-opened to help alleviate chronic overcrowding at UHL.
Highlighting difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff, Ms Broderick has stopped short of ruling this out, but says she will be examining data and taking clinical advice on board in making any such decision.
The new REO is now urging all stakeholders in the Midwest to support the HSE’s plan which prioritises revenue required to open “Block A”, the first of two new 96-bed blocks in Dooradoyle which is due to come on stream next year, as well as capital funding for Block B .
Sandra Broderick says for now, that is the priority.
Listen to the full interview here
