The plan includes the construction of a new 25 bed unit as an outreach centre for the National Rehabilitation Hospital

Addressing the Daíl this morning Denis Naughten TD called on the Taoiseach to ensure no further delays to capacity upgrade works at the Ballinasloe Hospital.

Dr Gerry O' Mara says while he doesn't expect the new scheme will have any significant impact on overcrowding, it may prevent some older patients having to lie on trolleys for a number of days in an Emergency Department.

Mary Garvey says that extreme care must be taken to ensure only suitable patients are transferred to the hospital.

The HSE confirmed the move this week.

Dr Fergal Hickey says that transferring patients to facilities like Roscommon and Ennis where the the necessary services aren't available, could put them at risk.

Edel is calling for urgent changes to the healthcare system following the death of her mother yesterday evening.

Manager of Roscommon Hospital, Mary Garvey, is warning those who attend Emergency Departments with minor injuries will face a significant wait to be seen, in comparison to quicker treatment times at the injury units.