The organisation is demanding immediate action on 'dangerous' UHL capacity deficit.
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has called for immediate action from the Minister for Health to address the "stark deficit in bed capacity" in the Mid-West.
The IMO welcomed the publication of the HIQA report, but found its findings "hugely concerning for patients and the medical workforce working in the region."
Dr Anne Dee, President of the IMO and a public health consultant based in Limerick, led the reaction.
She stated that the "serious deficit of beds is at the root of the problem in the Midwest."
Dr Dee warned that a quality, safe service for patients cannot be delivered without these beds and the "right number of staff."
She said that University Hospital Limerick (UHL) was operating at a dangerous capacity, which is detrimental to both staff and patients.
The IMO believes the primary goal should be to support staff with the necessary infrastructure to deliver safe care, rather than an improvement in productivity.
Dr Dee noted that patients in the Midwest have "lost trust in the system."
The organisation is demanding a clear, resourced plan with targeted supports if that trust is to be rebuilt.
The plan must include immediate short-term measures to increase capacity alongside a longer-term ambition, including supports in terms of beds and services within the community.
