Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am based in Ballinasloe as a representative for the Roscommon-Galway area. I congratulate Mr. Gloster on his new role. He has spoken already about equity across the country and mentioned it is one of his key priorities in being able to deliver a health service.

My brief question brings it back to the local a bit. Portiuncula University Hospital is one of our Saolta hospital group regional hospitals. It is a level three 24-7 hospital. Coming from the University Limerick Hospitals Group, Mr. Gloster will be aware of the regional nature of some of these hospitals. We have been very fortunate. There is a 50-bed ward block currently under construction that is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2024. Currently, our emergency department has been under severe pressure. Outpatients has also been converted and we only have 13 single rooms in this hospital. That is where the pressure has risen the past two years, particularly around the lack of dignity for patients within those multi-bed ward blocks. This is a replacement 50-bed ward block that is being brought on line.

The issues around access relate to the emergency department. In the past year and last Christmas, it saw the highest figures ever in terms of trolley counts. There is a proposal currently before HSE estates from the Saolta University Health Care Group around a modular build or at least ten additional treatment bays. We have engaged with HSE estates and I was very hopeful this might be something that could be put in place for this Christmas to tackle the demand at the end of this year. Will Mr. Gloster give his opinion about modular builds around emergency department additional space or treatment bays?

If a build is on the bricks and mortar side, will it take a far longer timeframe? The 50-bed ward block in question will not be on stream until the end of 2024. We are hoping the additional 14 beds and eight rooms that are being converted from outpatient facilities in the hospital will be on stream in the coming months, but there is continuing pressure.