Tipperary TD Michael Lowry says the present situation at University Hospital Limerick Emergency Department cannot be allowed to continue.
Deputy Lowry was commenting on a HIQA report published last week about the Emergency Department in the hospital.
Two more reviews are underway – one by a HSE expert team commenced in April and the hospital has commissioned a report by Deloitte into patient flow issues at the hospital.
The Thurles based TD says that urgent action is needed from both a patient and staff perspective. Deputy Lowry says the hospital cannot cope with it’s catchment area and while additional beds are urgently required an increase in staffing is also urgent as at present the Emergency Department is short 14 whole-time equivalent nurses. A decision is awaited from the HSE for funding for these positions.
