BREAKTHROUGH ON MONAGHAN MINOR INJURY UNIT?

Senator Gallagher informed that Minister willing to engage on extending opening hours

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD is willing to engage with the HSE and the RCSI Hospitals Group on the issue of extending the operational period of the Minor Injury Unit at Monaghan Hospital, Fianna Fáil Senator for Cavan/Monaghan Robbie Gallagher was informed in the Seanad this week. Senator Gallagher described the Minister’s indication as a positive step after it was conveyed to him by Minister for State Damien English TD during a Seanad discussion in which the Monaghan-based Senator called for the hours and days of opening of the Monaghan MIU to be extended.

Raising the issue, Senator Gallagher stated: “Including Monaghan, there are ten minor injury units located throughout the country. Minor injuries are unlikely to lead to hospital admission. “A super service is provided in Monaghan. I have experience of it myself. People can walk in or their GP can refer them and there is no charge if the patient attending has a medical card or a referral letter from their local GP.

“The injuries unit at Monaghan has been in operation since 2009 with patients aged five years and over able to attend. As the Minister of State probably is aware, these units deal with a wide range of minor injuries, including for example suspected broken bones to arms – from collarbones to fingertips, strains and sprains, facial and eye injuries, minor scalds and burns, wounds, bites, cuts and splinters, as well as suspected…