A year-long campaign to save 16 beds at a West Cork hospital has failed — the beds will close within weeks, it has emerged.

THE Health Minister said there is “room for compromise” in a continuing battle between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and campaigners over bed closures at a West Cork hospital.

THE Department of Health has given a commitment to review a HSE decision to close 16 beds at a Co Cork community hospital.

BED closures at a West Cork community hospital are necessary to meet fire safety standards, otherwise the hospital would fail a mandatory registration process, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has claimed.