Review of Urgent and Emergency Care in Midwest Region

Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)  

Closing Date: 5pm, Monday 15th January 2025 

The Health Information and Quality Authority has launched a public consultation as part of its statutory review into urgent and emergency care services in Ireland's midwest region. This review, commissioned by the Minister for Health, aims to ensure safe, high-quality care provision throughout the area. 

A key focus of the review is examining the potential need for a second emergency department in the region, taking into account recent population changes and the ongoing pressures at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). This assessment comes in response to persistent overcrowding issues at UHL, including the tragic death of Aoife Johnston from sepsis in December 2022. 

HIQA is particularly keen to hear from patients, family members, and members of the public who have experience with emergency care services in the midwest region. Their insights will be vital in shaping the final recommendations, which are scheduled for publication in summer 2025. 

The public consultation represents a crucial opportunity for community input into the future of emergency healthcare provision in the midwest. All submissions will contribute to HIQA's independent assessment and recommendations for service improvement. 

The Public Consultation Institute of Ireland (PCII) is committed to engaging citizens and empowering communities through the use of emerging technologies, which are transforming how the Government and citizens communicate and interact. PCII’s mission is to bring more people into the public participatory process. Not only will this expand informed public engagement, early studies suggest that it is likely to enhance the diversity and quality of participation. View a list of public consultations currently open at https://www.publicconsultation.ie/haveyoursay