Sinn Féin TD for Limerick City, Maurice Quinlivan, has said the newly announced Midwest emergency departments review is long overdue and must get to grips with the core issues affecting healthcare delivery in the region.

He said all options must be on the table to deliver the change people in the Midwest need. 

He said the review should focus on the safest and most effective arrangement of services for the future of the region. He said development of local health services, including home support, GPs, and step-down must also be included.

Teachta Quinlivan said:

“The people of Limerick and wider Midwest deserve to know that they can access quality healthcare when they need it. It has been clear for many years now that government has failed to get to grips with the crisis at University Hospital Limerick. 

“It is beyond time for a review of urgent and emergency care services in the Midwest. I have been calling for this for some time. Simon Harris and Stephen Donnelly have had 8 years between them as Health Ministers to address the crisis at University Hospital Limerick, yet have failed to do so. There is considerable and understandable anxiety locally.

“All options must be on the table to ensure that University Hospital Limerick is safe for patients. The review must be a short, sharp review that focuses on the safest and most effective arrangement of services for the future of the region.

“Expanding emergency department capacity in the Midwest is clearly needed as part of a wider plan for health services in the region.

“Last week, I, along with my colleague, Sinn Féin health spokesperson David Cullinane TD, published Sinn Féin’s plan to fix healthcare in the Midwest. This is a detailed plan to upgrade the hospital network to tackle overcrowding and long waiting lists. Expanding emergency departments must be planned with an eye to current and future population need. 

“Regardless of the outcome of the review, it is crucial that capacity be urgently increased at UHL. The recruitment embargo must be lifted. Best practice reforms must be mandated at the hospital and supported by significant investment in primary, community, step-down, and home care.

“Patient advocates, health service workers, local representatives, and the Oireachtas Health committee must all be consulted on the terms of reference before they are finalised. 

“The people of Limerick and wider Midwest need to see these issues acted on urgently. There can be no more delays or excuses.”