Limerick members of campaign delegation meets with HSE CEO

A DELEGATION from the Mid-West Hospital Campaign (MWHC) held a “constructive” meeting with the CEO of the HSE Bernard Gloster to discuss the consistently high overcrowding at UHL.

Members of the MWHC asked about the reopening of emergency departments (EDs) at St John’s, Ennis and Nenagh hospitals.

“We highlighted that the model for healthcare being pursued in the Mid-West, which leaves over 400,000 people dependent on just one emergency department, was unsafe,” a spokesperson said.

The MWHC requested to know which clinicians and what advice was the basis for the current healthcare model.

“A promise was made that the clinical advice directing government policy on this matter would be shared with us,” the spokesperson added.

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“We also asked for clarity on the opening of the Medical Assessment Units (MAUs) to 24/7 and about the Shannondoc out-of-hours GP service. A strong commitment was made to further enhance MAU resources, including more ambulance pathway beds.

“We highlighted how the downgrading of St John's had a detrimental effect on the northside of Limerick, particularly the elderly of the Garryowen area, many who fear attending UHL,” they said.

Several potential initiatives were discussed at the meeting, some of which will be taken on board by the HSE subject to planning and conditions according to MWHC.

MWHC called the meeting a positive engagement despite not getting a commitment on the reopening of the EDs.

“We were encouraged by Mr Gloster's repeated assurances that this meeting marked the beginning of what will be an ongoing dialogue between himself and ourselves. We believe this is a very positive development for the MWHC,” the spokesperson added.