Allen urges inquiry into idle A&E unit

AN INQUIRY is being called for into why the new A&E unit at Mercy University Hospital Cork will not open until next March, despite having been completed 14 months ago.

Pat Madden, the hospital’s chief executive admitted yesterday the reason it had not opened was due to staffing issues.

“We are looking for approval for 25 staff over and above our agreed complement, which is why we are involved in negotiations with the HSE,” said Mr Madden.