A “dangerous narrative” about University Hospital Limerick is putting people at risk, a local TD has warned. 

UHL patients have frequently complained of long waits for treatment and some spend days waiting on trolleys. 

In 2022, teenager Aoife Johnston died after she was left waiting on a chair for treatment for sepsis. 

On The Hard Shoulder, former Labour leader Alan Kelly said many of his constituents are scared of the hospital and when his own father fell ill, he was extremely reluctant to seek care there. 

“The man was so upset,” he said. 

“Then I had to be on the phone, my wife went to be with him and you’re literally trying to convince an 85-year-old man that he needs to go to hospital - and he’s not alone. 

“There’s a narrative in the Midwest that whatever you do, especially if you’re over a certain age, ‘try and avoid going into hospital.’ 

“It’s a dangerous narrative because in some cases people may make the wrong decision.” 

University Hospital Limerick, 29-7-23. Image: Karlis D / Alamy

Deputy Kelly said locals in the Midwest fear catching an infection, having to wait for care on a trolley and that they might not be treated in a timely manner. 

In the end, Deputy Kelly’s father received “really good care” but he described the system as “crazy”. 

“When my father went into hospital four weeks ago, the doctor rang me - I’m next of kin,” Deputy Kelly said. 

“He wanted me to go through the history - that’s fine, no problem at all. 

“I [then] got another phone call from the hospital asking me the exact same thing about my father.

“From that date, I’ve had eight doctors where I’ve had to tell the same history - so, what is going on?”

Deputy Kelly said local people’s fears are “justified” given what happened to Aoife Johnston but he said it is vital to seek treatment if you feel ill. 

“I as a public representative also need to say that, you have to use the services,” he said. 

“We need to improve the service but you have to use the service.” 

The HSE suggests people call 999 immediately if they develop chest pain that feels tight or heavy, pain that spreads to the arms, back, neck or jaw or suddenly feel short of breath.

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Main image: An ambulance. Picture by: Alamy.com