Review into second Emergency Department for Mid-West must proceed without delay – McNamara

The Minister for Health’s announcement of a review of the case for a second Emergency Department for the Mid-West Region must proceed without delay and its conclusions followed up speedily, according to Deputy Michael McNamara.

The Independent Clare TD and candidate for Ireland South in the European Elections was reacting to the news today that HIQA will lead the review into urgent and emergency care capacity in the region to determine whether a second Emergency Department (ED) is required, in light of a big increase in the population in recent years and ongoing pressures at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

“This will be welcome news for everybody in the Mid-West where a lot of people are afraid to avail of an essential government service at UHL because of the continuous disaster stories emanating from there,” he said.

Deputy McNamara added, “The staff are under tremendous pressure, and I hope this review is quick and its conclusions are followed up speedily.”

“We have a tendency in Ireland to announce reviews to get out of political pressure. I sincerely hope this not the case here,” he concluded.