HSE move to open Tipperary hospital unit to ease overcrowding in Limerick welcomed

The announcement by the HSE that is to consider opening Nenagh Hospital's Medical Assessment Unit, along the lines of opening the unit in Ennis Hospital, has been welcomed by Tipperary Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne.

“This is a welcome commitment and is long overdue. I was informed that the decision, which is yet to be taken, will be guided by a review of the first week of the Ennis scheme," said Deputy Browne, who was part of a briefing given to Oireachtas members by the HSE.

However, Deputy Browne said that clarity was needed on the resources that will be provided to ensure that that people of north Tipperary and elsewhere were able to be treated appropriately, and that the staff will be given the supports and resources needed.

"However, we need clarity on the resources that will be provided to ensure that that people of north Tipperary and elsewhere are able to be treated appropriately, and that the staff will be given the supports and resources needed," he said.

Meanwhile the party's local representative for Nenagh Damian O'Donoghue, said that the move was a "small step in the right direction".

"For years I have been making he case for Nenagh Hospital to play more of a role in the health care of the people of North Tipperary," he said.

Mr O'Donoghue, who ran for election in the last local elections in 2019, said that when this scheme was rolled out it would enable some people to attend their local hospital in Nenagh and not get caught up in the overcrowding in Limerick.

“It is a welcome initiative and the sooner it begins the better. The people of north Tipperary have been badly let down since the closure of the Emergency Department in Nenagh Hospital in 2009. It's about time that steps were being taken to rectify this," he said.