Tipperary Sinn Fein TD Martin Browne has requested that the option of attending Cashel Minor Injuries unit is added to the list of alternatives to Emergency Department presentations at Tipperary University Hospital(TippUH) at times of significant pressure. TippUH have agreed to the request but in a statement to Tipp Mid West Radio say “Cashel Injury Unit is not under the remit of Tipperary University Hospital (TippUH)”
University Hospital Limerick(UHL) and TippUH both frequently appeal to the public to only attend the EDs unless absolutely necessary due to overcrowding. Neither promote the Cashel Injury Unit as an alternative in an apparent lack of clarity as to who is the authority for services in Cashel. University of Limerick Hospital Group have previously stated that the Cashel Injury Unit is not part of the services it is responsible for delivering.
Deputy Browne says Minor Injury units can play a considerable role in taking some of the pressure off Emergency Departments. The Cashel based TD acknowledges that the Clonmel hospital also provides a minor injury service, however he believes that the Cashel Unit nonetheless has a potentially important role to play.
“The role of community care in taking pressure off our acute hospitals is significant. Given the pressure hospitals are currently experiencing, to know the services in your locality may be more convenient for people, and may have the knock-on effect of assisting acute hospitals.”
Cashel Minor Injury Unit (062 70409) operates Monday to Friday and is located at Our Lady’s Campus, E25 P407. The hours of service are Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. The unit is closed weekends and Public Holidays. The unit provides services to children over 3 years of age and adults.
