Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has welcomed the expansion of the ICU in Tallaght University Hospital, saying that the addition of 12 beds and advanced diagnostic equipment is a major boost to the hospital and its ability to serve the wider community.

Teachta Crowe called on the Government to follow through on this investment and increase the number of step-down beds locally so that the ICU can work to the best of its ability.

Speaking after attending the opening of the expanded unit this morning by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and TUH CEO Lucy Nugent, Teachta Crowe said:

“I was very proud as a local TD to attend the opening of the expanded Intensive Care Unit in Tallaght University Hospital this morning. One of the major difficulties that Covid revealed in our health service was a severe shortage of ICU beds and highlighted how important it was to bring those numbers up.

“I want to congratulate CEO Lucy Nugent and all of her team for bringing this major expansion to fruition.

“There has been 12 beds added to the original 9 which is a substantial expansion to the bed capacity. The ICU has also been upgraded with the latest in diagnostic equipment which expands the ability to conduct tests of patients in their beds which limits a lot of problems with discomfort and potential complications.

“There is also a new training room as part of the expansion which will facilitate staff upskilling in-house and will be of major long-term benefit to the hospital and staff.

“What we need in TUH now is additional step-down beds and facilities. One of the main reasons that ICUs become overcrowded is that there is nowhere to send patients once they are no longer critical but still require medical attention.

“The Government must follow through with this investment in our hospital and give us the greater number of step-down beds so that the ICU can work to the best of its ability.”