Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Health Information and Quality Authority report into the accident and emergency unit at University Hospital Limerick was shocking, to say the least. It stated that the unit was not fit for purpose. The report was so bad that the chief executive of the hospital group was on local radio yesterday and felt it necessary to apologise to the people of Clare and Limerick for the extraordinarily long delays and the serious distress, discomfort and hardship caused to them as a result. While I am pleased a new state-of-the-art facility is being built, it will not be completed until the end of 2016 or possibly 2017.

This is a serious matter, which requires immediate action by the Minister for Health and Health Service Executive. A smaller type of accident and emergency unit operates in Ennis and Nenagh hospitals from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. It has been suggested, in response to the current appalling crisis, that these units open for 24 hours per day until such time as the new unit opens in Limerick.

While the principle behind reconfiguration is fine, it is unworkable and should not proceed unless the necessary facilities are in place. I ask the Leader to communicate to the Minister for Health my request that he consider the option of opening the accident and emergency units in Ennis and Nenagh hospitals in response to the crisis. Clare county councillors have unanimously called for this measure to be taken. While it may not be practical or possible, the option must be examined to provide an urgent response to the crisis.