Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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Ms Cowan made reference to urgent care units and mentioned that a delegation had gone to England to examine them. Perhaps she can expand on the benefit of urgent care units and what they are all about.

The second issue concerns outpatient and inpatient waiting lists. The theatre in Ennis is under-utilised, perhaps to 50% of its capacity. There is huge difficulty with outpatient facilities. There was a plan to move off-site which did not receive planning permission. Perhaps Ms Cowan might address those issues. The outpatient facilities in Ennis are inhibiting consultants from coming out to supply outpatient services there and to move away from the pressurised regional hospitals. Perhaps she might elaborate on urgent care facilities and using the facilities in Ennis to their maximum potential.