An Taoiseach Enda Kenny has agreed that the Government should consider moving services from UHG to Merlin Park to relieve pressure on the Emergency Department.
The issue was raised in the Dail this afternoon, where Galway West Deputy Noel Grealish suggested that a minor injuries unit be created at Merlin Park.
He said such a measure could be fast tracked at a low cost to deal with minor cases including burns, fractures, sprains and bruising.
He reminded the Taoiseach that he himself described UHG as one of the most inadequate facilities in Ireland last year – and demanded he make a commitment to a new unit at Merlin Park.
Deputy Grealish says minor injury units are in operation at other locations nationwide and have been proven to work well.
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In response, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the cost benefit analysis for a new ED has been accepted and funding has to be sought in the review of the capital programme in 2017.
However, he agreed that the potential of relocating some services to Merlin Park should be examined.