Hiqa Proposes Solutions to UHL Capacity Crisis, Prioritizing Patient Safety
The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) has proposed solutions to address capacity issues at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), prioritizing patient safety. The authority's recommendations come after a review requested by former Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and supported by local TDs.
Hiqa presented three options to increase capacity at UHL: expanding the Dooradoyle site, extending the UHL campus, or developing a news hospital with a second emergency department. The authority prefers the first two options as they can address patient safety concerns more quickly, with the first option being the least costly. However, Conor Sheen, a Limerick TD for Labour, and David Cullinane, Sinn Féin's health spokesman, both advocate for a news emergency department as the 'only safe option' for the midwest region.
To strengthen capacity system-wide in the immediate future, Hiqa suggests considering a system-wide approach. This includes increasing ambulatory care, step-down capacity, private care, GP numbers, and primary care. The midwest region has seen increased resources and funding, with 128 beds committed to open by the end of 2023 and an estimated 96 more beds in 2029.
Hiqa's recommendations aim to improve patient safety and increase capacity at UHL. While the authority prefers expanding existing facilities, local TDs and health spokespeople push for a news emergency department. The region continues to receive additional resources and funding to bolster healthcare services.
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