HSE MidWest's Regional Executive Officer says the Government must ensure this region has parity with the rest of the country.

It comes as the HIQA review of emergency capacity in the Midwest, which will examine the case for a second emergency department here, is due to be published next month.

HSE MidWest's submission to HIQA during the public consultation process stated that any further expansion of UHL beyond the current inpatient bed capacity plan would raise "significant challenges and complications".

Speaking during a visit to Clare, HSE MidWest Regional Executive Officer Sandra Broderick says the situation here will improve if continued investment is provided along with staffing increases.