1737. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the provisions he foresees being taken to address the backlog in care at University Hospital Limerick, Ennis, Nenagh, St. John's and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital due to the deferral of inpatient, day surgery, outpatient appointments and other scheduled services; how the deferral of these services will not contribute to disimproved patient outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34518/24]

I would like to reassure you that the Government and I remain fully committed to improving services in the Midwest region. I have engaged extensively with the University of Limerick Hospitals Group (ULHG) and the HSE regarding challenges being experienced, particularly in University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

As the temporary reduction in scheduled care in the Midwest was an operational decision taken by the HSE CEO and the Midwest REO, based on a recommendation from an expert clinical support team, the HSE would therefore be best placed to provide the detail of their plans to minimise the impact on affected patients and maximise the benefits of the actions taken, so I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.