# University Hospital Limerick

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Irish hospital

Hospital in Limerick, Ireland

University Hospital Limerick Health Service Executive Shown in Ireland Geography Location Dooradoyle, Limerick, Ireland Coordinates 52°38′07″N 8°39′22″W / 52.6352°N 8.6561°W / 52.6352; -8.6561 Organisation Care system HSE Type General Affiliated university University of Limerick Services Emergency department Yes, 24 hours Beds 522 History Founded 1955 Links Website www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/3/acutehospitals/hospitals/ulh/hospitals/uhl/ Lists Hospitals in the Republic of Ireland

**University Hospital Limerick** ([Irish](/source/Irish_language): *Ospidéal na hOllscoile, Luimneach*) is a Level 4 hospital located in [Dooradoyle](/source/Dooradoyle), [Limerick](/source/Limerick), Ireland. It is managed by [UL Hospitals Group](/source/UL_Hospitals_Group).[1]

## History

The hospital, which was designed by Patrick Sheahan,[2] was officially opened as the Limerick Regional Hospital on 16 May 1955.[3] It became the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick in 2006.[4] A new critical care unit opened in January 2013.[5]

Following the establishment of the Graduate Medical School at the [University of Limerick](/source/University_of_Limerick), it became the University Hospital Limerick in 2013[6] when the hospitals in the greater Mid-West Region became part of a single operating and governance structure known as the [UL Hospitals Group](/source/UL_Hospitals_Group).[7]

In June 2017, a new Accident & Emergency Department opened in the hospital, replacing the former A&E facing the Main Entrance.[8]

A new 60-bed medical block on four storeys, with three inpatient wards of 20 en-suite rooms, built by Western Building Systems, was opened in November 2020.[9]

In 2021, a second 60-bed modular bed block and oncology ward was opened by the Minister for Health [Stephen Donnelly](/source/Stephen_Donnelly).[10] Further developments in the hospital include two additional 96-bed blocks to help alleviate chronic overcrowding on wards.[11]

## Services

The hospital provides 522 beds, of which 375 are in-patient acute beds, while 97 are reserved for acute day cases.[12] A further 50 beds are for psychiatric services.[12] The hospital provides acute-care hospital services, including a 24-hour [emergency department](/source/Emergency_department)[12] and is the location of the Mid-Western Cancer Centre.[13]

The 24-hour Accident & Emergency department in UHL is the only one in the [midwest region](/source/Mid-West_Region%2C_Ireland), with a catchment area of over 400,000 people.[14]

## Criticism

Overcrowding is a significant problem in the [Irish health system](/source/Healthcare_in_the_Republic_of_Ireland), however University Hospital Limerick continues to be the most overcrowded hospital in the country, with a new record of 150 people on trolleys marked in February 2024.[15] The [INMO](/source/Irish_Nurses_and_Midwives_Organisation) regarded UHL as the 'worst hospital for overcrowding since records began'.[16]

There is also criticism towards the Government's policies not to reopen the former A&E departments in [Nenagh](/source/Nenagh_Hospital), [Ennis](/source/Ennis_Hospital) and [St. John's Hospital](/source/St._John's_Hospital%2C_Limerick) in the city.[17][18]

Many protests by activist groups such as the Mid-West Hospital Campaign Group and individuals, as well as social, local and national media have highlighted the issues plaguing the hospital.[19][20] Protests have often occurred outside the hospital grounds and outside [Dáil Éireann](/source/D%C3%A1il_%C3%89ireann) in Dublin.[21] In January 2023, a march involving almost 11,000 people took place through Limerick City Centre to Arthur's Quay Park in the city to highlight the overcrowding situation in UHL and the midwest. According to the Mid-West Hospital Campaign Group, the protest was made up of families of loved ones who received inadequate healthcare in UHL, as well as individuals who experienced the same.[22]

In April 2024, the hospital was the most overcrowded hospital in the country, followed by [University Hospital Galway](/source/University_Hospital_Galway) and [Cork University Hospital](/source/Cork_University_Hospital).[23]

Following an investigation into the 2022 death of Aoife Johnston in UHL, former Chief Justice of Ireland [Frank Clarke](/source/Frank_Clarke_(judge)) determined that her death was almost certainly avoidable. 16-year-old Johnston had been referred to the emergency department by an outside GP service for suspected [sepsis](/source/Sepsis), but poor communication and overcrowding meant that processes were not followed and the necessary [antibiotics](/source/Antibiotic) were not administered until too late.[24][25]

## See also

- [Ennis Hospital](/source/Ennis_Hospital)

- [Nenagh Hospital](/source/Nenagh_Hospital)

- [St John's Hospital](/source/St._John's_Hospital%2C_Limerick), Limerick city

- [Croom Orthopaedic Hospital](/source/Croom_Hospital)

- [University Maternity Hospital Limerick](/source/University_Maternity_Hospital%2C_Limerick)

- [UL Hospitals Group](/source/UL_Hospitals_Group)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Six hospital groups 'most fundamental reform in decades'"](https://www.imt.ie/news/six-hospital-groups-most-fundamental-reform-in-decades-14-05-2013/). Irish Medical Times. 14 May 2013. Retrieved 27 May 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Boyd, Gary A.; McLaughlin, John (2015). [*Infrastructure and the Architectures of Modernity in Ireland 1916-2016*](https://books.google.com/books?id=y7eoDQAAQBAJ&q=%22Limerick+Regional+Hospital%22+design+architecture&pg=PT135). Routledge. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1472446862](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1472446862).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Regional Hospital, 1955"](https://www.memorylanelimerick.com/p710322907/h1CB296FB#h1cb296fb). Memory Lane Limerick. Retrieved 24 May 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Limerick Regional to change name again"](http://www.imt.ie/news/latest-news/2011/07/limerick-regional-to-change-name-again.html). Irish Medical Times. 21 July 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Patients begin moving into new Critical Care Unit at Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle, Limerick"](https://www.irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2013/01/18/patients-begin-moving-into-new-critical-care-unit-at-mid-western-regional-hospital-dooradoyle-limerick/). Irish Building Magazine. 28 January 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["The challenges of establishing a hospital group"](https://www.healthmanager.ie/2013/05/the-challenges-of-establishing-a-hospital-group/). Health Manager. 1 May 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-limerickleader1_7-0)** Dwane, Mike. (22 May 2013) ["HSE set to complete Limerick hospitals name change"](http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/local-news/hse-set-to-complete-limerick-hospitals-name-change-1-5112151). Limerick Leader. Retrieved 31 August 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Shannon, June (23 June 2017). ["€24m ED opens at UHL"](https://www.imt.ie/news/e24m-ed-opens-at-uhl-23-06-2017/). *Irish Medical Times*. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["New 60-bed block completed at University Hospital Limerick"](https://www.buildingbetterhealthcare.com/news/article_page/New_60-bed_block_completed_at_University_Hospital_Limerick/172079/cn164706). Building Better Healthcare. 27 November 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Fitzpatrick, Frances (19 October 2022). ["Minister for Health officially opens new block and oncology ward at University Hospital Limerick"](https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/942116/minister-for-health-officially-opens-new-block-and-oncology-ward-at-university-hospital-limerick.html). *limerickleader.ie*. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Fitzpatrick, Frances (24 May 2023). ["BREAKING: Construction of new 96 bed-block at University Hospital Limerick fast-tracked"](https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/1178724/breaking-construction-of-new-96-bed-block-at-university-hospital-limerick-fast-tracked.html). *limerickleader.ie*. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-HSEmain_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-HSEmain_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-HSEmain_12-2) ["Mid-Western Regional Hospital"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100619010103/http://www.hse.ie/eng/Staff/FactFile/County_Information/Limerick/Regional%20Hospital%20Dooradoyle%20Limerick/Mid-Western_Regional_Hospital.html#). Health Service Executive. 27 April 2007. Archived from [the original](http://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/FactFile/County_Information/Limerick/Regional%20Hospital%20Dooradoyle%20Limerick/Mid-Western_Regional_Hospital.html) on 19 June 2010. Retrieved 4 July 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Mid-Western Cancer Centre"](http://www.midwesterncancercentre.ie/index.htm). Mid-Western Cancer Centre. Retrieved 4 July 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["UHL is no longer starved of funds. Why is it still so far from satisfactory performance?"](https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2024/05/02/uhl-is-no-longer-starved-of-funds-why-is-it-still-so-far-from-satisfactory-performance/). *The Irish Times*. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Overcrowding in University Hospital Limerick reaches new record with 150 patients on trolleys today"](https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/overcrowding-in-university-hospital-limerick-reaches-new-record-with-150-patients-on-trolleys-today/a129452137.html). *Irish Independent*. 7 February 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Halloran, Cathy (7 February 2024). ["New overcrowding record as 150 on trolleys in UHL"](https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2024/0207/1430941-hospital-trolleys-limerick/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Finn, Christina (23 May 2024). ["If second UHL emergency department recommended, it will take 'years' to open, says Donnelly"](https://www.thejournal.ie/uhl-emergency-department-6387808-May2024/). *TheJournal.ie*. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Halloran, Cathy (17 February 2023). ["Taoiseach rules out reopening Ennis and Nenagh EDs"](https://www.rte.ie/news/munster/2023/0217/1357199-university-hospital-limerick-taoiseach/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Patients 'left unseen for days' in 'unsafe' Limerick hospital, claim doctors"](https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2022/11/14/patients-left-unseen-for-days-in-unsafe-limerick-hospital-claim-doctors/). *The Irish Times*. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["What's wrong with University Hospital Limerick?"](https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2024/03/02/whats-wrong-with-university-hospital-limerick/). *The Irish Times*. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Halloran, Cathy (13 April 2024). ["Protest groups express overcrowding concerns at UHL"](https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2024/0413/1443370-limerick-demonstration/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["'Horrendous conditions' – thousands march on streets over 'dystopian nightmare' at University Hospital Limerick"](https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/horrendous-conditions-thousands-march-on-streets-over-dystopian-nightmare-at-university-hospital-limerick/42304522.html). *Irish Independent*. 21 January 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["'War zone' UHL Is Still Our Most Overcrowded Hospital By Far"](https://extra.ie/2024/05/01/news/irish-news/uhl-most-overcrowded-hospital). 1 May 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Halloran, Cathy (20 September 2024). ["Aoife Johnston: A story of systematic failures and missed opportunities"](https://www.rte.ie/news/analysis-and-comment/2024/0920/1471087-aoife-johnston/). RTÉ News. Retrieved 22 September 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Bowers, Shauna (21 September 2024). ["Aoife Johnston: Report into teenager's 'avoidable' death warns of 'risk of reoccurrence' at UHL"](https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2024/09/21/aoife-johnston-report-warns-avoidable-death-could-reoccur-at-uhl-if-issues-remain-unresolved/). *The Irish Times*. Retrieved 22 September 2024.

v t e Hospitals in the Republic of Ireland Hospital groups Dublin Midlands Hospital Group Ireland East Hospital Group RCSI Hospitals Saolta University Health Care Group South/Southwest Hospital Group UL Hospitals Group General Bantry General Hospital Beaumont Hospital, Dublin Cavan General Hospital Cherry Orchard Hospital Connolly Hospital Cork University Hospital Ennis Hospital Letterkenny University Hospital Louth County Hospital Mallow General Hospital Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Mayo University Hospital Mercy University Hospital Merlin Park University Hospital Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore Monaghan Hospital Naas General Hospital Nenagh Hospital Our Lady's Hospital, Navan Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda Portiuncula University Hospital Roscommon University Hospital Sligo University Hospital St. Columcille's Hospital St. James's Hospital St. John's Hospital, Limerick St. Luke's General Hospital St. Michael's Hospital (Dún Laoghaire) St. Vincent's University Hospital Tallaght University Hospital Tipperary University Hospital University Hospital Galway University Hospital Kerry University Hospital Limerick University Hospital Waterford Wexford General Hospital Maternity Holles Street Hospital Rotunda Hospital The Coombe Hospital University Maternity Hospital, Limerick Psychiatric St. Brendan's Hospital, Dublin St. Canice's Hospital St. Fintan's Hospital St. Ita's Hospital St. Joseph's Hospital, Limerick St. Loman's Hospital, Mullingar St. Otteran's Hospital St Patrick's University Hospital St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview St. Dympna's Hospital Children's (paediatric) National Children's Hospital Ireland Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street Geriatric Simpson's Hospital, Dublin St. Finbarr's Hospital St Vincent's Hospital, Athy Leopardstown Park Hospital Former Adelaide Hospital (Dublin) Central Mental Hospital Cork Street Fever Hospital, Dublin Dr Steevens' Hospital Drumcondra Hospital Foundling Hospital, Dublin Jervis Street Hospital Mercer's Hospital National Children's Hospital Richmond Surgical Hospital Royal City of Dublin Hospital Royal Hospital Kilmainham Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital Westmoreland Lock Hospital Wilson's Hospital School Dental Dublin Dental University Hospital Ear, nose and throat (ENT) Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital Ophthalmology Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital Orthopaedic Croom Hospital Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh Rehabilitation National Rehabilitation Hospital (Dublin) Royal Hospital, Donnybrook St. Joseph's Hospital, Dublin Rheumatology Our Lady's Hospital, Manorhamilton Military St Bricin's Military Hospital Regional St. Mary's Health Campus Private Aut Even Hospital Beacon Hospital Blackrock Clinic Bon Secours Hospital, Cork Bon Secours Hospital, Dublin Bon Secours Hospital, Galway Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee Galway Clinic Hermitage Medical Clinic, Dublin Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Sligo Mater Private Hospital Mater Private Hospital, Cork St. Vincent's Private Hospital (Dublin) UPMC Kildare

Authority control databases ISNI

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [University Hospital Limerick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_Hospital_Limerick) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_Hospital_Limerick?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.