Taoiseach to visit University Hospital Limerick this Friday

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar is due to visit University Hospital Limerick (UHL) this Friday, Limerick Live has learned.

While there has been no official announcement, it has been confirmed to this outlet by a number of sources. Mr Varadkar pledged to visit UHL amid the overcrowding crisis last month.

Over 11,000 people marched through the streets of Limerick city on January 21 to voice their concerns and anger over the conditions at UHL. The protest, which was organised by Mike Daly, included people of all ages from Limerick, Clare and Tipperary

It was followed by almost 100 doctors and consultants at UHL signing an open letter to urge change at the facility.

EXCLUSIVE: Taoiseach makes pledge on new 96-bed unit at UHL

In a statement released exclusively to Limerick Live at the end of January, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed he is to "visit the hospital soon". He said plans for a new, second 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) will be revealed by this Easter.

"Government is committed to improving the situation and increasing hospital bed capacity in the Mid-West region. Since 2020 a total of 122 inpatient acute beds were opened in ULHG, of which 98 were added to the bed stock at University Hospital Limerick (UHL)."

"Minister Donnelly has also turned the sod on the next phase of expansion of the UHL site: a 96-bed block, representing a total capital investment of more than €90m. Plans are due to be submitted to the HSE nationally for a second 96-bed block in the first quarter of this year," read the statement.

Meanwhile, the Mid-West Hospital campaign, who supported the protest last month, have posted on social media this Wednesday evening that the Taoiseach has agreed to meet the campaign on Friday.

"If anyone has concerns or issues they feel should be raised please feel free to get in contact. Only a small delegation from the campaign will be permitted to attend this meeting. For those who cannot attend but want to demonstrate their support for the reopening of our A&Es we will be gathering outside UHL between 11.30pm to 12.30pm on Friday. Please bring your photos or placards. All welcome," reads the post.

According to the Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (INMO) there are 543 admitted patients waiting for beds this Wednesday morning in Irish hospitals. Eighty six of the 543 on trolleys are in UHL. It is the highest figure in the country followed by Cork University Hospital with 60.