Clare Fm - Podcasts

The Health Minister has indicated that HIQA is not prioritising a new hospital for the MidWest, despite including it in its recommendations following a landmark review of the region's emergency capacity. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has told the Dáil that the health watchdog believes expanding services at Dooradoyle or extending the campus would be a less costly and time consuming option than building a new hospital. In the meantime, the first of the two new 96 bed blocks, which will increase UHL's capacity in real terms by 71, is expected to open imminently. Responding to Clare TD Cathal Crowe, the Health Minister says it could open this week.