The HSE is in negotiations with a private hospital in an attempt to tackle patient overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). The plan would see some patients at UHL treated and cared for at the €213m private Bon Secours Hospital Limerick (BSL), which opened in September 2024 and is presently expanding its services. A spokesperson for the Bon Secours in Limerick said: “As the new Bon Secours Hospital Limerick opens an additional ward, discussions are being finalised to support the public system in providing care for a number of medical patients from University Hospital Limerick. When asked about the proposed plan with Bon Secours, an HSE Midwest spokesperson said: “HSE Mid West and Bon Secours Limerick have been in discussions about transfer of appropriate patients to BSL to alleviate pressure on UHL during periods of peak demand. Overcrowding issues have persisted at UHL, despite the opening of additional bed capacity, including the opening of a €105m 96-bed unit on the UHL site, last October.

Source: Irish Examiner February 06, 2026 22:00 UTC