HSE boss refuses to rule out downgrades

THE head of hospital services in the Health Service Executive (HSE) South has refused to rule out a downgrading of emergency department and surgical services in the region on a par with those being implemented in the Mid-West.

Speaking after the latest HSE Southern Regional Health Forum meeting, Gerry O’Dwyer, Network Manager for the Southern Hospitals Group, said there would be a reconfiguration of existing services over the coming months, including the introduction of nurse-led minor injuries clinics in Cork city and a centralisation of emergency department services at Cork University Hospital (CUH).

However, despite the statement, the senior HSE official declined to reveal any timeline or details of the report, and refused to confirm that the controversial service changes in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s in Limerick will be replicated in the HSE South, stating he had to discuss the matter with “relevant stakeholders” first.

“We need a full engagement with all stakeholders. All we are doing is bringing the service into line with best international practice.

“There will be a reconfiguration to reduce risks. That will include minor injuries units and medical assessment units,” said Mr O’Dwyer, adding that it would be inappropriate to discuss specific details of the report before the discussions conclude.

The document — drawn up by Teamwork Management Services, the same firm behind the Mid-West and North East service reviews — has been with the National Hospitals Office (NHO) since last Autumn.

However, in a statement yesterday the HSE said it will not be published until March at the earliest.

During the Regional Health Forum meeting, the HSE also confirmed that the plans for services in Cork and Kerry could be applied to the South East later in the year.

The lack of clarity over the exact timetable and details of the HSE South review of hospital services report has led to an escalating war of words between local politicians.

In particular, Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe has accused Labour TD Sean Sherlock, of “scare-mongering and demoralising” hospital staff by raising concerns over the future of services.

Reacting to the comments last night, Mr Sherlock said that if Minister O’Keeffe honestly believes Mallow General and other facilities will not be downgraded, he should make his views known.

“I’m not involved in spin, my comments are on the basis of what hospital staff, both frontline and administrative, have told me.

“If Minister O’Keeffe is so convinced about the future of existing services, he should come out and guarantee their future for the length of his Government,” he said.