Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It must be acknowledged that attendances at our emergency departments are increasing each year. According to the health service capacity review, Ireland has one of the highest acute bed occupancy rates in the developed world. It is widely agreed that additional beds must be a key part of the solution at University Hospital Limerick. Over the past two winter periods, an additional 25 beds have opened in Limerick, including eight as part of the 2018-19 winter plan. The new emergency department, which opened in May 2017, provides modern and safe facilities that are fit for purpose and meet the expectations of patients and families. The high-quality accommodation provided at this new facility better protects privacy and dignity. In response to the Department of Health's health service capacity review, a new 60-bed ward block has been established as a rapid-build interim solution to the bed capacity issue at University Hospital Limerick. The University of Limerick Hospitals Group has welcomed the commitment in Project Ireland 2040 to construct a new 96-bed ward block over the current emergency department. A design team has been appointed for this project.

Improving timely access for patients is at the heart of Sláintecare. The 2019 Sláintecare action plan, which has been published by the Department of Health, builds on the progress made in this area in recent years and includes a work stream on access and waiting lists. Many of the other service reforms and enhancements included in the action plan will support timely access to care for patients in the coming years. Progress has been already made this year in implementing the actions under the Sláintecare action plan. We all acknowledge that there is little doubt that the challenges we face are significant. I firmly believe that every Member of this House wants to find patient-centred, evidence-based, results-focused and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our health services. Investment alone will not deliver the health service to which we aspire. Equally, this will not be delivered by reforms or productivity improvements on their own. Investment, reform and productivity improvements and additional capacity must be delivered in tandem if we are to have a realistic chance of meeting healthcare needs over the coming decades.

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