Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 December 2025
240. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she has concluded her consideration of HIQA's review of urgent and emergency healthcare services in the Mid-West region; if she will announce a decision on the options put forward by HIQA by the end of 2025, as per her previous commitment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68216/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHIQA published their independent and expert review of urgent and emergency healthcare services in the HSE Mid West Region on 30 September 2025.
The HIQA report clearly identifies that the lack of sufficient acute inpatient beds in UHL and the Mid West region is the core issue that needs to be addressed urgently. I opened the first of two new 96-bed blocks at UHL in October. This new bed block has already had a positive impact on capacity and reducing overcrowding.
The HIQA review identifies three potential options for consideration, including:
• Expand capacity at the University Hospital Limerick (UHL) Dooradoyle site (Option A).
• Extend the UHL hospital campus to comprise the existing Dooradoyle site and another site (Option B).
• Develop a Model 3 hospital in the HSE Mid West, providing a second emergency department (ED) for the region (Option C).
Alongside these options, HIQA has presented an extensive number of additional considerations, including service-wide work that must be progressed in parallel.
All three options and the extensive findings and considerations presented by HIQA are being considered in full.
I have committed to report back to Government before the end of the year.
