Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The proposed changes in emergency department cover from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. at Ennis Hospital need further clarification and consideration. Engagement with Shannon Doc services is necessary to provide the people of County Clare with access to appropriate services on the hospital site. I believe there is need for an extra eight consultants and 12 advanced paramedics and also for that critical care block required at Limerick Regional Hospital. Capital investment in Ennis is long overdue. Unfortunately, it has not been advanced as quickly as all of us would have liked.

We cannot put the cart before the horse. I know the Minister is committed to ensuring that support is put in place to allow the reconfiguration to proceed without delay in order that patients in the mid west are given the best possible chance for a positive outcome. Collectively, we can all reduce unnecessary deaths.

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