(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to reduce the long delays at the accident and emergency department at the Regional Hospital, Limerick; if he intends allocating further resources to the Mid-Western Health Board to enable them to employ extra nursing and medical staff at the accident and emergency department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Delays at Limerick Hospital.
90.
The administration of the accident and emergency department at Limerick Regional Hospital is a matter for the Mid-Western Health Board in the first instance. I am aware that there have been some problems with this service at Limerick Regional and also that the health board are taking measures to remedy the situation.
The position is that an accident and emergency consultant was appointed to the hospital last July and he has prepared a detailed report on the long-term developments which he considers desirable for the accident and emergency department to function as the major casualty unit for the mid-western region. This report is now being studied by the health board's management team in conjunction with my Department. A special short-term examination into activities at the unit is also being undertaken at present.
As I have previously informed the Deputy, I have approved a considerable level of resources for improvements at Limerick Regional; for example, in 1988 a grant of £250,000 was approved for upgrading of the accident and emergency and out-patient facilities together with £119,000 for day theatre equipment. Moreover, the extra £800,000 which I allocated to the Mid-Western Health Board last August included funds for a number of important projects at Limerick Regional.