Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to improving access to acute services in the Midwest.

While it is not appropriate to discuss the specifics of any individual case. I am aware of the issues and challenges in the hospital.

I have provided significant investment to increase capacity and staffing in the region.

Total staffing increased at University Hospital Limerick by over 37% since December 2019. Numbers increased from 2,814 to 3,854 by end of November 2023.

This represents 146 more doctors and 45 more consultants.

It includes 348 more nurses and midwives.

It includes an increase of 84 more health and social care professionals.

Since 2019 the budget for this hospital increased by 45%. It increased from €265 million in 2019 to €383 million last year.

We are also investing in additional bed capacity in the Midwest. 150 additional beds have been opened in the Hospital Group since 2020. 98 of these new beds are in University Hospital Limerick. We are building two new 96-bed inpatient blocks.

We have funded additional services and infrastructure in local Model 2 hospitals. This includes €5.2 million in 2023 to expand Medical Assessment Units. This expansion will reduce demand on University Hospital Limerick. It will improve access across the region.

I will continue working with the HSE to improve our overall health system.