A Leitrim TD wants to make local injury units 24/7 in a bid to reduce overcrowding.
Marian Harkin's comments come as 2022 was the worst year for overcrowding on record, with over 121 thousand patients left waiting for a bed.
A motion is going before the Dáil today calling for Medical Assessment Units and Local Injury Units at Ireland's smaller, Level 2 hospitals to stay open 24 hours a day. There is currently no Emergency Department in Roscommon since 2011 and the Emergency Department at Mullingar hospital has been 'extremely busy' in recent months.
The Independent TD is one of those behind the motion and she says it could alleviate pressure on emergency departments overnight:
''These units deliver expert, efficient and timely treatment but the crucial thing with both of those is that they play a huge role in avoiding the need for many people to access the emergency department and we know that will have a significant impact on overcrowding.''
