*Cllr Rita McInerney (FF). Photograph: Eugene McCafferty
PARTICIPATION from the people of Clare in the public engagement of HIQA’s review of emergency care in the Mid-West “is a critical chance” to highlight the message on the need for more services, a Doonbeg representative has said.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) said the people of Clare must actively participate in HIQA’s review of urgent and emergency care in the Mid-West.
She told The Clare Echo, “This is a critical chance for the people of Clare, especially those in North, West, and rural Clare—to have their voices heard on the realities of accessing urgent and emergency care. It’s time to highlight the need for a second fully-functioning A&E in the Mid-West region to be located in Ennis and advocate for vital upgrades to local infrastructure to ensure timely access to life-saving services”.
McInerney added, “I urge everyone in Clare to take this opportunity to share their experiences and ideas. This is about ensuring safe, equitable, and accessible healthcare for everyone in the Mid-West region”.
Former Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) initiated the HIQA review which will consider the need for a second emergency department in the Mid-West. This comes in light of significant population growth and the ongoing strain on University Hospital Limerick, which has been under immense pressure to meet emergency care needs.
Doonbeg native Rita noted that upgrading critical road networks is essential to bringing all parts of Clare within the golden hour for stroke and heart attack patients and she referenced the N68 (Ennis to Kilrush Road), N67 (Kilrush to Kilkee Road) and N85 (Ennis to Lahinch). “These upgrades are not just about connectivity; they are about saving lives. Efficient road networks will ensure that patients from even the most remote parts of Clare can access emergency care within the crucial golden hour, improving outcomes for heart attack, stroke, and trauma cases”.
An unsuccessful candidate in the General Election, Cllr McInerney advocated for a fully-functioning Accident and Emergency Department in Ennis. She believes that a second A&E in the Mid-West in the heart of Clare with a population of 132,000, is critical for addressing the current gaps in emergency care and alleviating pressure on UHL. “Ennis has the capacity to become a cornerstone of emergency care in the Mid-West, providing accessible and high-quality healthcare for our community”.
HIQA is now seeking input from patients, family members, healthcare professionals, and the general public to inform this review. Submissions are open until 15 January 2025 and can be made at www.hiqa.ie.
Submissions can also be sent directly via email to midwestreview@hiqa.ie, or by post to: HIQA Urgent Care Review Team, Health Information and Quality Authority, Unit 1301, City Gate, Mahon, Cork, T12 Y2XT
