A LIMERICK TD has raised the issue of plans for a 150-bed block in St John’s Hospital in Limerick City at a sitting of the Dáil.
Deputy Willie O’Dea (FF) said that the recent HIQA report, which found 72 patients on trolleys and chairs in the Emergency Department, was “unacceptable”.
“The Taoiseach may or may not be aware that St John’s Hospital in Limerick, which is a hospital in the city centre with an outstanding reputation, has for some time made an application for funding to build an extra bed block,” Deputy O’Dea said.
“That would considerably alleviate the situation at UHL. It would also improve the beds-to-population ratio in the Mid West, which is the worst in the country by some distance. Has a decision been taken yet on the St John’s application? If not, when can we expect one?” he asked.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said in reply: “I do not know what the situation is regarding an additional bed block for St John’s but I will certainly make inquiries with the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, and ask that he come back to Deputy O’Dea directly.”
“I can certainly see the advantages of additional beds in St John’s. Not having an emergency department has advantages, and certainly more surgical cases could be done and more medical patients could be looked after without what happens so often in a big busy hospital, with the emergency department essentially taking over,” the Taoiseach concluded.
