CUH is leading the way in age-attuned medicine

There are six private assessment spaces at the Emergency Department at CUH designed to meet the needs of older patients, with inclusions such as adjustable lighting, bathroom and shower facilities

Consultants in geriatric medicine (from left) Prof. Denis O'Mahony, Dr Emer Ahern, Dr Kirstyn James, Dr Denis Curtin, Dr Mike O'Connor and Dr Liam Healy. Picture: Denis Minihane.

One in every six people is aged 65 years or older in Ireland today. The 2016 census showed that the number of people aged 65 years plus in Ireland had increased by 9.9% and the number of people aged 85 years and over had increased by 17.1% in the preceding five years. There is no doubt we are living longer. Positive ageing and increased life expectancy are to be celebrated but an ageing population places increased demand on both community and acute hospital health services. 

Cork University Hospital (CUH) is working hard to ensure its health services are age-attuned and responsive to the specific and complex needs of older people, their families and carers. Cork city is the third fastest ageing administrative county in the State. According to Cork City Friendly City Strategy 2016-2020 it is estimated that one in every four of the population will be aged 65 years or older by 2050.