Limerick TDs tackled on UHL crisis: Patrick O’Donovan, FG TD for Limerick County; Minister of State

Following the declaration of a ‘major internal incident’ at UHL, we ask local TDs where the fault lies and what they think should be done to solve the crisis.

WHAT steps are you currently taking to try to address the issues which have blighted University Hospital Limerick in recent months and years and which saw a ‘major internal incident’ declared at the hospital on January 2, 2023?

The current situation being experienced in UHL, together with other hospitals all over the country is desperate for patients and those who are looking after them in the hospital.

The current wave of respiratory illnesses which is impacting health services all over Europe is made worse in Limerick due to historic problems dating back to the reconfiguration of Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s which the HSE is trying to fix with investments in the hospital.

On top of that there is a need for short and long-term changes and improvements that are needed. I recently met with some of the consultants in the hospital who made some suggestions in that regard, including the greater use of Ennis Hospital, something that has now commenced.

I have sought an urgent meeting with the Minister for Health, which is due to take place this Wednesday specifically focused on the issues in Limerick.

Where - or with whom - do you think the fault lies in terms of the crisis at University Hospital Limerick?

There are a unique set of issues in Limerick that need to be addressed, some of which go back to reconfiguration. The additional beds that are currently being put in place will make a difference, but based on the rate that our population is expanding, we will require more. This will mean a greater need for recruitment and retention across all grades in the hospital, together with new processes to cope with the challenges, step down, rehabilitation, respite and community facilities like St Ita’s and further investment in primary care similar to the new centre in Newcastle West. This issue is causing difficulties not only in Ireland but also in countries like the UK.

There is also a need for an expanded private health care service in the Mid-West, which should be supported. We can all see that the use of private hospitals to relieve the issues across the country this week is clearly evident, and Limerick should be no different.

Do you think the current management team at University Hospital Limerick should be retained? If so, why? If not, why not?

I do not believe that firing a few people will make any difference to the patients of the hospital. The issues facing UHL and every other hospital in the country are difficult and complex.

This year the largest ever budget into Irish health is being made by taxpayers through the Budget and people are right to expect better results. As a country and as a community we are living longer, we have greater needs, we need more help, and it will cost us all more.

In no more than 200 words, how do you believe the ongoing crisis at University Hospital Limerick can be solved?

The issues in UHL must be solved, and this is something I said when I met the consultants. All of us, and all our families need UHL and the people who work there.

While there are big challenges it is important to say that not all the stories from UHL are bad. Cancer, cardiac, stroke and other care over many years in Limerick has increased hugely, and there are many success stories across the region. But we do have a major issue with capacity here particularly in the ED which is like so many EDs all over Ireland and Europe at the moment that are snowed under for different reasons.

Do you think a vote of no confidence should be tabled against Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly?

Changing a Minister for Health in the middle of such a massive challenge across all EDs in Ireland would be the worst possible thing to do.

The length of time it would take a new minister to come to terms with the problem could be detrimental to any prospect of short-term improvement or change. It might suit the claims of opposition TDs, but what would it do for patients and staff In UHL and other hospitals at this stage?