Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Sorry, I will first ask a question. On critical enablers, I mentioned the shared care record. Another issue is access to diagnostics, which is a serious matter in respect of the optimal use of beds. During the week, 60 patients were waiting for an MRI scan in University Hospital Limerick where there is one scanner for a population of 400,000 people. It is essential not only that there is access to diagnostics from general practice but that there is access to diagnostics within the hospital system. Many patients are waiting for a diagnosis that will allow them to go home, stay in hospital or influence their treatment. If we are talking about the suboptimal use of beds, access to scanning and ultrasound diagnostics in particular is a critical enabler in driving efficiency. I could also mention many other diagnostic tests that are required.