Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

94. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the HIQA independent review to inform decision-making around the design and delivery of urgent and emergency healthcare services in the mid-west region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52183/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

HIQA published their independent and expert review of urgent and emergency healthcare services in the HSE Mid West Region on Tuesday 30th of September.

I firstly want to acknowledge the substantial work undertaken for this review by HIQA, the ESRI, the Expert Advisory Group and all the stakeholders who contributed to the various workstreams, in particular to the public consultation.

The HIQA report clearly identifies that the lack of sufficient acute inpatient beds in UHL and the Mid West region is the core issue that needs to be addressed urgently.

The report presents three options for how to best address the capacity gap. These include the expansion of capacity at UHL on the Dooradoyle site (Option A); the extension of the UHL hospital campus to include a second site in close proximity under a shared governance and resourcing model (Option B); and the development of a Model 3 hospital in HSE Mid West, providing a second emergency department (ED) for the region (Option C).

I am progressing with Option A immediately, as it will yield required inpatient capacity within a shorter timeframe, thereby addressing the immediate risk to patient safety. An additional 96 bed block is due to open in the coming days, and we hope to get positive planning permission for the next block of 96 beds shortly.

I remain open to the other two options presented and will consider them fully, especially in light of the continuing population growth in the region.