Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2023
358. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 49 of 9 November 2023, if he will provide an update on the standardisation of additional opening hours for LIUs and MAUs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51799/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA review of HSE Injury Units (IUs) has recently been carried out.
There are currently thirteen IU sites across Ireland, twelve of which operate under acute governance operate on a seven day per week basis. This now includes the service at Monaghan Hospital which opens on a seven day basis since July 2023. The remaining unit is under the governance of the community primary care service and currently operates on a Monday to Friday basis.
Five of the twelve units under acute governance are already operating from 8am - 8pm, seven days a week. The review included a gap analysis to determine the funding and recruitment needed to implement the standardisation of opening hours in the remaining sites. Further analysis is needed regarding the feasibility and prioritisation of resource allocation.
Seven Medical Assessment Units (MAUs) are now included in the NAS bypass protocol and discussions are ongoing regarding the feasibility of extending this pathway (currently confined to Model 2 hospitals) to Acute MAUs where in operation at Model 3 hospitals.
