ENNIS’ local injury unit is to be opened on a 24/7 basis to help alleviate pressure on the constantly overcrowded University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
Government officials accepted a recent private members motion tabled in Dáil Éireann by members of the Independent Group which includes Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND). They sought the implementation of a range of measures aimed at reducing pressure on overcrowded Emergency Departments across the country.
An expansion of the medical assessment units (MAU) and local injuries units (LIU) at tier two hospitals such as Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s to twenty four hours across seven days a week was requested along with the delivery of an electronic health system to replace paper-based health records without further delay; and the appointment of designated medical officers in every nursing home and ensure that patients in nursing homes can access treatment by primary care teams.
Confirmation of an acceptance of the motion was issued by the Government who will now look to implement the proposals.
Deputy McNamara said the basis for the Motion was the ongoing overcrowding in Irish hospitals, with 2022 seeing a record 121,000 patients being left without a bed, and the ongoing record overcrowding being experienced across the country during 2023.
He stated, “LIUs deliver efficient, expert treatment to tens of thousands of patients with minor injuries every year and have been of crucial assistance in relieving pressure on Emergency Departments during the pandemic. Furthermore, MAUs play an integral role in Emergency Department avoidance, providing a vital and timely service to GPs and patients. Approximately 10% of MAU cases may require admission to the hospital, and the majority will be discharged, with a follow-up review in the unit within 48 hours”.
Scariff native McNamara commented, “Ireland remains a laggard in Europe for digitisation in the health system and the introduction of electronic health records. The use of such technology could significantly reduce triage times in Emergency Departments,” he said.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) stated, “The motion calls for measures to tackle overcrowding in our hospitals quite rightly. We know it’s a problem”. He added, “The current situation in too many of our emergency departments on too many days of the week is simply not acceptable”.
Minister Donnelly continued, “The Independent Deputies who tabled this motion quite rightly point to Medical Assessment Units and Local Injury Units. The Urgent Care Plan is looking at these and is looking at expanding provision across these”.
