Claims Fundamental Change To Ambulance Service Necessary To Curb UHL Overcrowding

A Clare Health Forum member insists a fundamental change to the way the national ambulance service operates is necessary to curb overcrowding at the region's main hospital. It follows record-breaking levels of overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick yesterday, where 130 admitted patients were waiting for beds, according to INMO figures, the highest number ever recorded at any Irish hospital. In a statement to Clare FM, the UL Hospitals Group has urged people to "understand the available care options and to avoid the ED except in cases of severe or life-threatening illness or injury". Kilkee Fianna Fáil Councillor and member of the HSE's Regional Health Forum West, Cillian Murphy believes pressure on the Midwest hospital would be relieved if patients with less serious health concerns were diverted to other facilities.