Audit of hospital management
Deputy O'Donoghue called for an audit of University Hospital Limerick management, blaming structure and leadership for bed shortages rather than staff. The Taoiseach said he would relay the concerns to the HSE chief executive and noted that such areas are already audited and evaluated.
When will the Taoiseach bring in an auditing service in respect of the management of hospitals? University Hospital Limerick has had the longest waiting list for beds for a long time. The latter was not caused by the staff at the hospital, this comes down to a management problem. I said on the first day I came to the Dáil that there is an issue with the management of and the structure in place at University Hospital Limerick. I want a full audit carried out on management and on the progress of their work. This does not relate to the staff or the care they provide. We have a serious management problem. Nurses have left this hospital over issues of management. Our care staff are good but we have a serious problem with management.
Comment on this
I do not know whether the Deputy has written formally to the HSE senior management in respect of this matter.
I will engage with the CEO and relay the Deputy's comments to him. These areas are audited and evaluated. I will certainly engage with the CEO on the points the Deputy has raised with me.