Limerick TDs tackled on UHL crisis: Willie O’Dea Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick City

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?

I have spoken regularly with the Minister for Health, including in recent days, to urge him to do everything in his power to resolve the issues surrounding UHL. The Minister has arranged a meeting about the matter with Oireachtas members from the Mid-West for this Wednesday.

I have also regularly raised the overcrowding crisis at UHL with the Taoiseach privately and on the floor of the Dáil and I have urged the Government to build an elective only hospital in Limerick which would help significantly to resolve the crisis at UHL.

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

The overcrowding crisis at UHL is multifaceted and complex. There aren't enough beds for the population being served and the hospital could be managed better too.

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

I think it might be a good idea at this stage to let new management with a fresh perspective attempt to resolve this crisis.

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

It can be solved in the short term by better management, employing more front line staff, and an Elective Hub, which has been sanctioned for UHL, needs to be up and running as soon as possible. In the longer term, we need to increase the bed capacity and we need to build an Elective Only hospital in Limerick and look at reopening Ennis and Nenagh as full A and E hospitals like they were prior to being downgraded.

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

No, as I don't think this would achieve anything, but this is a matter for the opposition.