Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The problem is that the medical assessment unit in Nenagh Hospital is currently staffed and available but every day, several available slots are not used. Patients are not presenting to avail of the service. Consultants, nurses and support services are assigned to the hospital but there are not enough patients to treat. That is the reality. Considering that the current hours of service are not being used, what is the point in extending the hours of opening? We are not taking up what is available at the moment. It is a big issue that has been brought to me by the union and staff in the hospital.

Why are GPs reluctant to refer patients to the medical assessment unit at Nenagh Hospital? Why are they referring them directly to Limerick instead? A discussion needs to be had to get the considered views of GPs as to what are the stumbling blocks and why they are not referring directly to the assessment unit in Nenagh.

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