Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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71. To ask the Minister for Health the target date for beds to be opened in regard to the 60 bed modular unit at University Hospital Limerick; the projected expenditure for these beds; if this figure has increased or decreased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12231/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Emergency Department in University Hospital Limerick is one of the busiest in the country, with the number of patients attending growing year on year.

Limerick was identified as a one of 9 sites requiring additional investment, focus and support as part this year’s Winter Plan. The problem of overcrowding in hospitals requires a full system, patient focused response.  Recognising this, in the Winter Plan investment is targeted at both hospital and community services and supports.  This includes additional home support packages and transitional care beds to support people to leave hospital and return home.

It is widely agreed that a key part of the solution for Limerick is additional beds.

Over the past 18 months, an additional 23 beds have opened in Limerick, including 5 as part of this year’s Winter Plan.

A Capital Allocation of €2 million has been granted in recent weeks and the HSE advise that this will facilitate the completion of enabling works for the 60 bed modular ward in 2019.