Political pressure mounts in Tipperary over ‘death trap’ emergency department

Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath has called for the reopening of the A&Es in Nenagh Ennis and at St John’s in a letter to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

In a statement this week, the deputy criticised the minister for his handling of the situation at University Hospital Limerick, which he called a “death trap.”

“Downgrading and closing A&E capacity in Nenagh, Ennis, and St John’s Hospital has left Limerick University Hospital overwhelmed, unable to cater to the patients who would otherwise have been using those hospitals.

“This strategy is not only devoid of common sense, but it’s also illogical and visibly failing. 

“The solution to this crisis is clear and urgent: we must reopen the three A&E departments that were closed.”

“This letter is more than just a call to action. It’s a demand for immediate change. The era of empty talk has ended. Now is the time for decisive action. We cannot afford to lose more lives due to the government’s failure to act,” said Mr McGrath.

In Nenagh, councillor Seamus Morris has called for an investigation into the closing of the local emergency departments. He said the government closed the A&Es before putting in place enough beds and has failed to do so since.

He expressed his disappointment at the response from the HSE regarding a motion passed at a recent sitting of the Regional Health Forum for an investigation to be carried out into the circumstances of the controversial reconfiguration.

“The motion requested an independent investigation into why the reconfiguration was carried out without the necessary beds being in place, which has resulted in the mid-west having to suffer 15 years of horrific conditions for some people attending A and E in the mid-west.

“This answer is very disappointing as it shows a complete lack of respect for the forum which passed the motion and for myself as a forum member appointed and trusted by the Members of Tipperary County Council to get accountability from the Management of the HSE Mid West.

Councillor Morris said he wanted to know who, when and why it was decided to go ahead with the reconfiguration before the necessary beds were provided. Noting that 15 years have passed, he also asked what the timeline was for delivery and why those beds have not yet been provided.

In response provided to and referenced by the councillor, UHL Hospital Group CEO, Professor Colette Cowan, outlined the progress made in increasing UHL’s capacity.

The letter did not address the call for an investigation but it did comment on why the beds had not yet been delievered and the aims of the reconfiguration.

Professor Cowan acknowledged that the Hanly report had recommended an increase in beds.

But, said progress was “adversely impacted” by the 2008 financial crash.

HIQA REPORT

The Tipperary representative’s comments come as HIQA published the latest inspection report of UHL.

The report published last week found that UHL was not compliant or only partially compliant on several national standards.

The unannounced inspection took place on November 21, 2023, and covered the emergency department, acute medical unit, the surgical assessment unit and the geriatric emergency medicine unit. 

UHL was non-compliant on respect and promotion of patients' dignity, privacy and autonomy.

It was substantially compliant on the organisation of its workforce and partially compliant with management and support to deliver services. 

UHL was partially compliant in protecting patients from the risks associated with the design and delivery of services. 

The report found that the emergency department was over capacity on the day of the inspection, with 82 people registered on the day. 

However, they reported that there was an improvement on the last two reports.

Inspectors spoke to patients who were complimentary of staff, saying they were “kind and respectful.” 

But they said wait times were long and it was hard to rest or to get staff’s attention. 

The report also found that most measures instituted were completed, or there was a date for completion. A number were marked as ongoing.