Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I stated, I am concerned by the findings in respect of patient safety in the HIQA report. However, I believe the report provides an important opportunity for a renewed focus on the capacity and capability of UHL and on the quality and safety of the emergency services it delivers to the people of the mid-west. The Senator has articulated those issues extremely well. HIQA reviews are essential in ensuring that the resources required to underpin patient safety are optimised and that learning is shared across all hospitals and the health service generally. A strong quality and safety culture is associated with a responsive health system that listens and learns to improve services.

The Department regularly seeks assurance regarding the appropriate escalation measures for emergency department overcrowding. As I mentioned in my opening statement, significant resources have been invested in UHL in recent years. This has seen an increase in its workforce of 28%, or 796 whole-time equivalents, since the end of 2019. In addition, 98 new beds have been provided since the start of 2020, including a 60-bed modular ward block that was established to provide a rapid-build interim solution to begin to address the bed capacity issue at the hospital and to improve patient flow. A further 96-bed block is currently in planning for the hospital.

The performance of hospital emergency departments is under constant review by the Department through ongoing engagement with the HSE. I assure Members that the Government and the Minister are committed to driving improvement in emergency department performance. I again thank the Senator for raising these concerns. They will be brought back to the Minister and the Department.