There are almost 40 attacks on staff at Cork University Hospital every year, new figures reveal.

The HSE received more than 23,000 formal complaints about the health service in 2016. The main issues raised included access, dignity and respect, safe and effective care, communication, and clinical judgement.

All scheduled surgery has been cancelled at Cork University Hospital for two weeks over Christmas, despite there being almost 1,500 people on waiting lists.

Health Minister Simon Harris is basing his decision to cut cardiac services at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) on a flawed and invalid report.