Tipperary TD Michael Lowry is calling on Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to optimise the functioning of the Medical Assessment Unit in Nenagh Hospital.
Only patients in need of acute care are referred to University Hospital Limerick(UHL) from the unit.
Deputy Lowry says this alleviates the pressure on the Emergency Department at UHL and also helps to rotate beds faster for patients from North Tipperary who do need acute care in Limerick.
The Medical Assessment unit also enables patients to receive care closer to home.
Deputy Lowry says these benefits are not accruing because every day several available slots are not being used.
Deputy Lowry says it is a waste of staff resources if GPs do not refer patients to Nenagh and Ennis instead of UHL.
Deputy Lowry wants the HSE to engage with GPs in the mid-west to ensure GPs make the most use possible of the Medical Assessment Unit.
The TD says the breakdown of the initiative highlights the complete lack of communication or consultation with staff in Nenagh Hospital.
Deputy Lowry questions the decision to expand the hours if existing slots are not fully used
