250 extra community care beds

PLANS to deliver 250 community care beds for the elderly in Cork next year are being fast-tracked.

The Health Service Executive (South) confirmed last night a planning application will be submitted next month for permission to build five community nursing units at three locations.

One at St Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital will provide 50 beds, two in Ballincollig will provide 100 beds, while two units at Farranlee Road will provide 100 beds. The old maternity unit at St Finbarr’s Hospital is also being reconfigured to provide a 37-bed unit.