Major investment boost to expand services at a Tipperary injury unit
Minor Injury Unit at Our Lady’s Hospital Cashel to receive €1.3m upgrade
A €1.3 million investment in the Minor Injury Unit at Our Lady's Hospital Cashel, will see the introduction of extended opening hours, expanded staffing and a full radiology service.
The improvements follow the transfer of the unit under the governance of Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, and are due to come into effect from August 31.
Under the new arrangements, the unit will operate from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Patients will also have access to diagnostic imaging throughout opening hours, allowing more injuries to be assessed and treated in Cashel.
Welcoming the development, Councillor Declan Burgess said the investment would strengthen healthcare provision in the area while helping to ease pressure on emergency services.
"I warmly welcome the significant €1.3 million investment in the Minor Injury Unit at Our Lady's Hospital, Cashel, and I am delighted to see this enhanced service now being rolled out for the benefit of patients across Tipperary," he said.
The expanded staffing model will include two doctors, supported by a consultant with responsibility for the Cashel unit, along with nursing staff, radiographers and three clerical staff members.
The Minor Injury Unit treats a range of conditions including broken bones, sprains and strains, minor facial injuries, burns and scalds, bites, cuts and grazes, splinters, small abscesses and boils, minor objects lodged in the eyes, ears or nose, and minor head injuries.
Cllr Burgess said the development would improve access to care for patients while reducing demand on the Emergency Department at Tipperary University Hospital.
He also paid tribute to the HSE, management and frontline healthcare workers involved in delivering the project. "This is a very positive development for Cashel and the wider region, and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will deliver for patients and families in the years ahead," he added.