Urgent Action Needed: New Hospital Options for UHL Overcrowding

URGENT UPDATE: The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) has just released a critical report urging the Irish government to take immediate action to address chronic overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). This comes as the hospital struggles with alarming patient numbers, recording 147 patients on trolleys just yesterday, and 133 patients currently waiting for beds.

Hiqa’s independent review, published today, outlines three potential options to tackle the ongoing crisis that has plagued UHL, which consistently ranks as the hospital with the highest number of patients waiting for treatment in Ireland. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated; the report was commissioned by the Department of Health in May 2024, following serious concerns about patient safety—including the tragic death of 16-year-old Aoife Johnston in December 2022.

The report reveals that the Mid-West region has the fewest inpatient beds relative to the overwhelming demand for emergency services. Hiqa emphasizes that this disparity poses “persistent” risks to patient safety. A new 96-bed unit is set to open at UHL “imminently,” but officials warn it will not sufficiently meet current needs.

Hiqa has proposed three viable routes forward:

1. **Option A**: Expand capacity at the existing UHL facility in Dooradoyle.
2. **Option B**: Construct a new facility nearby, maintaining shared governance and resources with UHL.
3. **Option C**: Develop an entirely new hospital elsewhere in the Mid-West, which could include a second 24/7 emergency department.

While options A and B promise quicker increases in bed capacity, option C could address long-term needs but would take longer to implement.

Dr. Máirín Ryan, Hiqa’s Deputy CEO, stated, “The current situation presents a risk to patient safety,” highlighting the urgent need for immediate investment and action. The report also stresses that simply building more facilities will not resolve the crisis; enhanced leadership, improved pre-hospital emergency care, and bolstered community services are essential.

Labour TD Conor Sheehan criticized the government’s failure to tackle this crisis, calling the Hiqa findings “a damning indictment” of ongoing neglect. The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) supports Hiqa’s findings, warning that UHL is operating at “a dangerous capacity” that endangers both patients and staff.

As the situation develops, the government faces pressure to respond swiftly. With public safety at stake, officials must prioritize these recommendations to ensure adequate care for the Mid-West population.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this urgent situation. The health of thousands depends on immediate action. Share this story to raise awareness about the critical conditions at UHL and the need for a comprehensive solution.