In May 2024, HIQA was requested to conduct a review of urgent and emergency care in the mid-west region with the primary objective of ensuring safe quality acute care in the region. As part of this review, HIQA was requested to consider the case for a second emergency department within the region in the context of the population changes in recent years and ongoing pressures at the ED at University Hospital Limerick.
The review is progressing well, and a final report is expected in May 2025. The report will advise me on the appropriate course(s) of action to ensure optimal quality and safety in the delivery of future urgent and emergency care services for the population of the mid-west region. I will fully consider the final report when it is available.