PATIENTS FROM NORTH Tipperary who have emergency medical needs or cardiology problems will be seen at the Emergency Department of Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick from 17 September.
The Health Service Executive announced the change this afternoon, stating the decision is in line with new national clinical programmes to improve services.
It said the move, which will allow for more prompt access to investigations and treatments, is part of a wider process to bring safer patient care to acute hospitals in the Mid-West.
A Local Injuries Unit which is established in Nenagh will continue to provide care for certain injuries, such as broken bones, minor facial injuries, minor burns and wounds or foreign bodies in eyes, ears or nose.
The facility will open from 8am to 8pm daily and will continue to admit GP-referred medical patients if they have an accopanying letter.
Patients who are treated at Mid-West Regional may be transferred back to Nenagh for any follow up care.
“This change in practice allows centralisation of emergency care for our sickest patients in teh region to Limerick while allowing the Injuries Unit in Nenagh to focus on the care of adults and children over five with injuries such as broken bones, soft tissue injuries and wounds,” explained consultant in emergency medicine Dr Damien Ryan.
The move also involves the closure of Nenagh’s single cardiology bed. Staff at the hospital have been briefed on the developments.
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