Health Minister Says Decision On New Midwest Hospital To Be Made In The New Year

The Health Minister is to make a decision on a new model 3 hospital in this region in the new year. Following a meeting with the Midwest's Oireachtas members this week, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has committed to progressing options A and B recommended by HIQA's review of emergency care capacity in the region which refer to expanding capacity at University Hospital Limerick and extending the campus to a nearby second site, respectively. Reports from the meeting claimed the minister has described the third option, which would involve the development of a new model 3 facility in the region, as a "live option". Speaking in the Seanad however, Minister Carroll MacNeill says no commitment has been made in this respect and this option will be examined in the new year.