Calls For Health Minister To Urgently Publish Midwest Winter Safety Plan

The Health Minister is being called on to urgently publish a winter safety plan for the Midwest, amid concerns over increasing levels of attendances at University Hospital Limerick. Attendances at the region's main hospital look set to exceed 100,000 this year, before a seasonal increase is accounted for. The latest HSE figures show yearly attendances are up 8% on the figure for 2025, with 77,443 patients presenting at the Dooradoyle facility so far this year. Friends of Ennis Hospital Chair, Angela Coll, says a specific strategy must be put in place due to the impact flu will have on the Midwest in the coming months.