Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his fairly detailed reply. The small hospitals framework is something that I very much support and welcome. I would like to see services scaled up much quicker than is currently the case. In the of previous Commencement matters I tabled, I was told that the dialysis unit would be operational by the end of 2023, and certainly by quarter 1 or 2 of 2024. I welcome the confirmation that it will be operational by the end of 2024. If we meet that timeframe, it would be a reasonable outcome. I always add six to 12 months to any date I am given. I have already added it with this one, so I sincerely hope it happens by the end of 2024.

The staff and management at Ennis Hospital do a terrific job. The feedback from people who go there, either to the minor injuries clinic, the MAU or any of the other units, is that they are well looked after and have a very positive experience of engaging with the health service on the campus of Ennis Hospital. The management at Ennis Hospital are willing and able to scale up and provide non-critical medical supports to the people of County Clare.