Changes to hospital will put lives at risk
Deputy Joe Sherlock, chairman, Mallow General Hospital Co-ordinating Action Committee, made the claim when he announced the committee would write to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Health and Children Minister Micheál Martin, demanding the retention and development of the hospital.
Mr Sherlock said the provisions of the 1970 Health Act applied until amended, and said the committee would consider all its options if it failed to receive a favourable response within a week.
He said the flooding that closed accident and emergency at CUH this week highlighted the dependence on one unit.
Calling on Minister Martin to clarify commitments he gave during a visit to the hospital on Good Friday, he said the appointment of a geriatrician based at Mallow had not happened.
A commitment was given in 2001 that two consultant radiologists would be appointed on a permanent basis with 70% of time being given to Mallow and 30% to the Mercy Hospital.
The provision of a CAT scanner would ensure that patients would not have to go to Cork. In relation to surgery, no action has been taken to fill a post that will soon become vacant.
Mr Sherlock said patients were being transferred to Cork, despite having first attended accident and emergency at Mallow.
Any change in the 24-hour accident and emergency, medical and surgery services will put lives at risk because patients will not be treated within the 'golden hour'.
“There is clear evidence that accident and emergency treatment received within an hour of an accident and particularly in the case of cardiac arrest reduces the risk of fatality,” he said.
Mr Sherlock said over 125 general practitioners referred cases to Mallow General Hospital.
This will increase in the future with the number of new houses being built. A recent submission by the doctors supporting the hospital was very significant.
