THE MID West Hospital Campaign has been invited to make the case for reopening the Emergency Departments in St John’s, Ennis and Nenagh at a hearing of the Dáil Public Petitions Committee next week.
The Campaign launched a petition calling for the upgrading of the three hospitals and the re-opening of Emergency Departments in the first half of 2022.
The petition was signed by 15,000 members of the public and was submitted to the Committee on June 21, 2022.
“The Midwest Hospital Campaign has pursued the petitions Committee since this time making regular submissions and updating it on the deteriorating situation locally,” Chair Noleen Moran told the Limerick Post.
“We have corresponded with UHL management, the HSE and finally, only this month, managed to receive a response from the Department of Health (after an error led to the Departments response not being shared for 7 months after it was received).
“After much delay and apologies being issued from the Chair of the petitions committee, the Campaign has finally been invited to attend in person before the Committee on November 16 to make the case for the reopening of Emergency Departments”.
On Oct 23rd a new record was set for the number of patients being left on trolleys with 130 patients languishing in corridors waiting for care. It is clearly evident the situation is not improving.
“Sadly, to date, the Midwest’s elected representatives have failed to raise their voices and make their parties take the appropriate action necessary to bring this situation under control,” Ms Moran said.
“On the 16th of November the public who signed our petition will finally have their day when the MWH Campaign will put on record their support for the reopening of A&Es at Ennis, Nenagh & St. Johns.
“In the lead in to the 16th we call on all elected representatives to stand with their constituents and behind our campaign and to do the right thing by raising their voice in support of the Reopening of our A&Es as a matter of urgency. It’s time to end the unnecessary loss of lives resulting from overcrowding in the Midwest. It’s time to say No, to yet another winter calamity in healthcare. Enough is enough,” she said.
