Fifteen-year anniversary of injury unit replacing Roscommon's emergency department
The HSE has marked the 15-year anniversary of the opening of Roscommon Injury Unit, which has been in place since July 2011.
The unit controversially replaced the Emergency Department in Roscommon hospital, which was closed by the Fine Gael and Labour Party Government in 2011 despite a campaign of opposition locally.
Then-Roscommon TD Denis Naughten split from the Fine Gael party as a result of his objections to the emergency department's closure.
Marking the 15-year anniversary of the injury unit in Roscommon, the HSE issued a statement in which it said the facility "has provided an important local alternative to Emergency Departments for people with non-life-threatening and non-limb-threatening injuries".
It said that, from July 2011 to the end of June 2026, the unit in Roscommon has treated more than 138,000 patients, adults and children over five years of age, for injuries such as sprains and strains, suspected fractures of the arms and legs, burns, wounds and lacerations.
It went on to say that, over the years, the unit has developed into a modern, nurse-led service, with "advanced clinical expertise and diagnostic facilities supporting the delivery of safe, effective care for patients in the community".
"When the unit first opened, care was delivered by Emergency Department nurses supported by surgical doctors," the HSE said.
"Today, the service is led by seven advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) and one candidate advanced nurse practitioner in emergency nursing, working alongside non-consultant hospital doctors, clinical nurse managers, nurses, radiographers and the wider multidisciplinary team."
The advanced nurse practitioners "provide timely assessment, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of minor injuries" and are supported by "on-site x-ray facilities and integrated care pathways," thus enabling many injuries to be managed locally through the unit.
"Where specialist care is required, patients can be referred directly to services including orthopaedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), physiotherapy and occupational therapy," it added.
"This model supports access to high-quality care closer to home while helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments."
In addition to marking the 15th anniversary of Roscommon Injury Unit, the team of staff also commemorated the retirement of Maggie Mew, the unit's first advanced nurse practitioner, who retired on July 22 following a distinguished 51-year nursing career which included more than two decades at Roscommon University Hospital.
Maggie began working in the Emergency Department at Roscommon University Hospital in 2002 before becoming the first advanced nurse practitioner appointed to the injury unit in 2016.
Fine Gael Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: "The 15th anniversary of Roscommon Injury Unit is an important milestone and an opportunity to recognise the important contribution the unit has made by providing timely, high-quality urgent care for people in Roscommon and the wider region.
"I was delighted to meet Maggie Mew and thank her personally for her exceptional contribution to emergency nursing.
"Her clinical leadership, professionalism and commitment to patient care have been instrumental in developing Roscommon Injury Unit into the excellent nurse-led service it is today.
"As she retires, I wish her every happiness and thank her for the lasting legacy she leaves for colleagues, patients and the wider health service," the Minister said.
Hospital Manager Maire Doorly added: "Over the past 15 years, we have seen tremendous growth in both the number of patients attending Roscommon Injury Unit and the development of our nurse-led model of care.
"Most importantly, we have continued to deliver high-quality care close to home for the people of Roscommon and neighbouring counties."