Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to focus on the issue of the absence of a model 3 hospital in the mid-western hospital group, which is a contributory factor in the overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. I was delighted to hear the Minister's comments in regard to exploring the idea of a possible model 3 hospital in the region. Ennis is well placed to become a model 3 hospital and such a hospital would help resolve the issues around overcrowding. If we look at the size of County Clare and the distances people have to travel from Blackhead or Loop Head to University Hospital Limerick, we see good reason to place a model 3 hospital there.

This could be done relatively cheaply. Doctors could be on a rotating roster between both hospitals and the infrastructure is already in place. All that is necessary is the will on the part of the HSE to put a model 3 hospital in place, similar to the models in place at Galway University Hospital and Cork University Hospital. I am glad to hear the Minister is exploring all options in this area and I thank him for his response. I hope we can work together on this to ensure we get the greatest benefits for the people of the mid-western region in the area of health services.

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