Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I mentioned, significant resources have been invested in UHL in recent years. I want to outline some of what has been invested in and is onstream. We saw an increase in the workforce in UHL of 36%, or 966 whole-time staff, at the end of 2019. Recently the Minister opened new theatre wards in clinical areas in Croom Orthopaedic Hospital. This includes the development of an ambulatory trauma service to facilitate the transfer of trauma patients from UHL for surgery and recovery, improving flow and reducing congestion.

A key part of the solution for Limerick is additional beds. Work on the new 96 single bed inpatient block commenced in September 2022. This additional bed capacity for the midwest is expected to be operational in mid-2025. Pending planning approval, the next step in the development of a second 96 bed block will continue. The Department regularly seeks assurance regarding the appropriate escalation measures for the emergency department. We have seen increased funding provided for additional GP access to diagnostics in primary care, allowing for patients to be referred directly for x-rays or scans. In the mid-west, more than 1,400 of the scans are being completed each month. These are all part of the many solutions required to address what is an extremely acute regional problem for Limerick and the mid-west.