Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022
95. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he will put in place a contingency plan to ensure staffing levels are in place at Ennis injury unit following the closure of the unit on 20 August 2022 at short notice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47993/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has advised me that there have been occasions recently where staffing issues have resulted in the temporary closure of Injury Units in Nenagh, Ennis and St John’s hospitals.
The closures, including on the day in question, related mainly to NCHD resources and to COVID-19 issues, though services can also be affected by deficits in nursing and allied health staffing resources. I am assured that these disruptions have all been communicated to the public in advance through the media and on social media, and this included advice on alternative ways to access care.
These disruptions are unfortunate. However, the increase in activity in all three Injury Units is a positive development. In 2021, 33,585 patients attended the Injury Units, which exceeded the level of activity prior to the pandemic. I am advised that there has been an annual growth in activity of 36% at Nenagh so far this year and 19% at Ennis. In May 2022, both Ennis and Nenagh had their busiest months to date with over 1,200 attendances each.
The new Injury Unit which opened at Ennis Hospital in April 2022 represents a €2 million investment by the HSE in improving the clinical environment and the patient experience for these services. The HSE has confirmed that it remains committed to growing these services in their model 2 hospitals in the long-term.
