Plan to resolve Limerick hospital overcrowding expected 'over next two to three weeks'

The Oireachtas Health Committee heard the HSE Service Plan includes the opening of 308 beds funded last year which have not yet opened.

HSE director of acute operations, Liam Woods, said that there is “phenomenal pressure” on University Hospital Limerick. File picture: Dan Linehan

The HSE is facing significant challenges tackling waiting lists due to the “horrendous impact” of Covid-19 despite increased funding, the Oireachtas Health Committee heard on Wednesday.

Senior officials also defended University Hospital Limerick, saying the hospital has “very real challenges” but work has started on this. CEO Paul Reid said this year’s national service plan gives €200m for waiting list initiatives, including working with private hospitals and changing how patients access some specialists.