Ennis hospital to lose 24 hour A&E status

Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney confirmed today that Ennis General Hospital in County Clare is to benefit from a consultant-led Accident and Emergency service but will lose its 24 hour A+E status in the long term.

Speaking during a meeting with Co Clare's five Mayors, the Minister said that a report by the Teamwork consultants, due to be presented to her Department at the end of the year, would determine the hours of service.

Minister Harney informed the Mayors that she would like to see numerous changes occur in the delivery of the health service, but that a lot of this was dependent on reaching agreement with Medical practitioners.

The meeting at Department of Health and Children Headquarters was attended by Cllr. Patricia McCarthy, Mayor of Clare; Cllr Tommy Brennan, Mayor of Ennis; Cllr Sean McLoughlin, Mayor of Shannon; Cllr PJ Lardner, Mayor of Kilkee; Cllr Tom Clyne, Mayor of Kilrush, Cllr

Peter Considine, Deputy Mayor of Ennis; and Mr Eddie Power, Ennis Town Clerk.

“We had a full and frank discussion with Minister Harney during which we outlined the issues of concern to the people of Clare,” said Mayor of Clare Cllr Patricia McCarthy.

“The Minister while stating she expected that more activity would be taking place at the hospital said there would also be some changes.

“She cited the recently announced increase in consultants and the proposed EUR40m redevelopment of Ennis General Hospital as an indication of their serious intent and commitment to Ennis General Hospital.

“Minister Harney explained that an additional 42 staff have been taken on in Ennis in recent years with a budget increase of EUR8m."

During the meeting with Minister Harney, the Clare delegation pointed out that many communities throughout the County are in isolated areas with some having to travel more than 80 miles to Limerick for treatment.

The delegation highlighted the inadequacies of the current ambulance service and the need to upgrade and increase the number and locations of ambulances serving Clare.

According to Mayor of Kilkee Cllr PJ Lardner: "The Minister accepted that Clare's population was dispersed and some areas very isolated.

“She advised that she wanted an improved ambulance service and confirmed that 100 Emergency Medical Technicians are in training, five of which will be deployed in Clare.

“It was also confirmed that the local Cardiac Programme will be retained while it is intended to continue and improve the out-reach clinics.”