Limerick TDs tackled on UHL crisis: Richard O’Donoghue Independent TD Limerick County

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?

During the past 2.5 years I have constantly raised the ongoing issues regarding discharges and weekend cover in the hospital. I was particularly concerned with the volume of non-disclosures that were submitted.

I have used my Leaders and Parliamentary Questions slot to demand answers from the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Health Minister on countless occasions on UHL. All of which are on public record. Before the Christmas break-up I begged and pleaded with Tánaiste at the time Leo Varadkar, Minister Donnelly, Minister Rabbitt, Minister Butler for the health and safety of the people of Limerick, Clare, North Cork and Tipperary. 

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

I firmly believe that the management of the hospital is responsible as is the HSE. The hospital is still operating with a model given to them in 2009 where the hospital was made a centre of excellence and Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s were not upgraded to support the UHL Level 4 status. That is the basic cause. I would go as far as to say the hospital has now spiralled out of control.

Simple Solutions from a medical professional - Increased availability of acute medical assessment units in St John's, Nenagh, Ennis and UHL. Not available recently resulting in older age having to go through A+E.

Availability of consultants and senior medical/non-medical staff available over Christmas and January. Leave must be reduced at this critical time.

Direct access to ENT/Urology/Gynaecology services for same day referral rather than A+E currently happening.

Crucial that telephony services and up-to-date info online be maintained and updated throughout acute periods not reduced to a minimum e.g., Christmas and New Year. 

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

There is no doubt in my mind that the management should go. Failure to see the obvious - people have died or have been seriously injured while awaiting treatment on trolleys. The failure of management since 2009 to ensure and progress the UHL hospital group to be upgraded to support UHL.

The failure to address the exodus of multi- skilled staff from all parts of the hospital over the past number of years. The lack of planning for a rising population. Lack of attention to non-disclosures, and above all, the failure in creating a safe working environment for staff and patients and a confidence for us all to avail of what we call our local hospital.

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

Firstly, the upgrading of the other three hospitals with observation units to support UHL that has a level “4” Status. St John’s Hospital has a “2S” status while Nenagh and Ennis has a level “2” status. Over Christmas many patients travelled from Clare past Ennis with chest infections and had to remain in A&E for several hours to be returned to Ennis for treatment. Surely this does not make sense.

Why does the hospital need to be notified of a HIQA inspection? This does not happen in any other industry and not in nursing homes. Following intervention by myself RTE Investigates went to UHL and showed footage of the array of trolleys in A&E yet when HIQA arrived on site a few days later they were virtually gone. They had been dispersed throughout the hospital and to other hospitals. Why? Surely that was an opportunity to show the volumes of patients that were at risk in an overcrowded area… 

Do you think a vote of no confidence should be tabled against Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly? Answer clearly either: Yes, No, or maybe.

Unfortunately, YES. I have met the Minister and explained the crises and the bottle necks that were in UHL. I showed him the evidence. His failure to listen, his failure to act for the safety of patients. He met staff, spoke to them and heard their concerns. If he chose to ignore them, why would I have confidence in him? He needs to take seriously the issues and address them. Limerick and the surrounding areas were left in an extremely dangerous situation.