Tipperary TD calls for extension to opening hours at Nenagh Medical Assessment Unit
Tipperary TD Michael Lowry said extended opening hours in Nenagh would alleviate pressure on the already overcrowded A&E at UHL
The question was raised this week in the Dáil by Tipperary TD Michael Lowry regarding an extension to the opening hours of the Nenagh Medical Assessment Unit at Nenagh Hospital.
Deputy Lowry said the idea and principal of expanding the opening hours of the Medical Assessment Units at Nenagh and Ennis is "understandable and logical."
Mr. Lowry argued that extended hours would mean that patients from North Tipperary can be referred to Nenagh by G.P’s rather than Limerick A&E.
Limerick University Hospital's A&E department has experienced chronic overcrowding in recent months and Mr. Lowry questioned why patients from North Tipperary are not being referred to Nenagh by G.P’s rather than Limerick A&E.
In response Minister Stephen Donnelly stated “The Medical Assessment Unit at Nenagh provides an alternative to the Emergency Department for GP referrals. It is currently open 7 days per week from 8am to 8pm.
"The HSE is working to further extend operating hours to midnight this year, and incrementally to 24 hours. Recruitment is already underway for the staff and essential service provisions to support this development."