Centralisation of services will not increase risk, says surgeon

PEOPLE living in isolated parts of the mid-west will not be put at risk with the centralisation of A&E services at Limerick’s Mid-Western Regional Hospital, a leading surgeon said yesterday.

A report commissioned by the HSE proposes that all major accident and medical cases be sent immediately to Limerick rather than Ennis and Nenagh general hospitals. However, the plan also envisages limited A&E services would remain at Ennis and Nenagh.

The HSE has already commenced implementation of the report’s proposals. Dr Paul Burke said new arrangements would improve on-the-scene medical treatment to very sick or injured patients who do not live within the “golden hour” of Limerick’s Mid-Western Regional Hospital.