Senator Robbie Gallagher has called for the extension of opening hours and days at the minor injury unit in Monaghan Hospital.
He said the unit dealt with a wide range of minor injuries, including broken bones and suspected foreign bodies in the eyes, ears, nose and mouth and minor chest injuries.
The local senator added the unit in Monaghan has provided a valuable and important service to the public while simultaneously reducing the pressure on the A&E at Cavan General Hospital.
However, he also highlighted how other injury units in the country are open seven days a week but the unit in Monaghan has the shortest opening times.
He pointed out that most units operate from 8am to 8pm seven days a week, but Monaghan provides a service between 9am and 5pm five days a week.
These, added Senator Gallagher are the shortest opening hours of any of the ten minor injury units in the country and Monaghan is the only such unit not operating on a seven-day-per-week basis.
"Turning to the figures for those attending, Monaghan's figures are almost at the same level as those for the minor injury unit in Bantry, which is open seven days a week," he continued.
"It could well be argued that were Monaghan open for the same hours and number of days as Bantry, its figures would be higher.
"Over the past number of years I have tried to raise awareness of the injuries unit in Monaghan.
"The HSE itself has recently done a fantastic campaign informing the public of the wide range of services available there.
"Many people do not realise the types of conditions that can be treated at the unit.
"Since the awareness campaign - and I compliment the staff on their work - the figures are again on the increase."
