Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley has highlighted the need for ‘certainty on Portlaoise Emergency Department’.
Figures the Laois TD obtained in reply to a Parliamentary Question show that in 2018, a total of 36,271 people attended the Emergency Department.
In 2019, this increased to 39,513 and in 2020, despite the fact that people were being diverted from attending hospitals, 30,423 attended.
In the first four months of this year, 9,586 have presented.
Mr Stanley said: “The figures for attendances underline the need for 24/7 care and for full ED services to be retained in the hospital.
“I welcome the good news of funding for the Respiratory Unit at the Hospital and also the funding for St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick, The Health Centre in Mountrath, and St Fintan’s Hospital Portlaoise.
“This extra space in Portlaoise Hospital is badly needed. I raised the need for funding the Respiratory Assessment Unit in Portlaoise Hospital on a number of occasions with the Government.
“It is now almost four years since the three Laois TDs met with the Chief Medical Officer and the Minister for Health to make the case for the retention of 24/7 ED services in Portlaoise Hospital to continue.
“It is way past time for clarification on this, which was promised by Minister Harris.
“It is now time for the current Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to make a statement and confirm that 24/7 care will continue at the ED Department in Portlaoise Hospital.
“The people of Laois and surrounding areas have been left in limbo for long enough regarding this issue. It is now time for certainty.’’
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