Planned cuts at Bantry Hospital ‘deplorable’
A HSE spokesman admitted yesterday talks are continuing with staff to prevent a projected overrun of e1 million in running costs this year.
The HSE response came after a former mayor of Co Cork said he had become aware of a series of planned measures which he described as “deplorable”.
Cllr John O’Shea claimed that all temporary and part-time nursing staff were in danger of losing their jobs at the hospital.
“An eight-bed rehabilitation unit was opened around four to five years ago.
“They are looking at closing that down and transferring these patients to the surgical ward. It’s my understanding that they are looking to close up to 16 beds to save money,” Mr O’Shea said.
The Fine Gael councillor said the HSE had asked all staff to take three days unpaid leave this year to bring in further savings.
He claimed a proposal was also being looked at to introduce a five-day week visiting surgical service which would operate between 9am and 5pm.
“This will further undermine the acute status of the hospital. West Cork will be without 24-hour surgical cover into the future if this is adopted,” Mr O’Shea said.
He pointed out that consultant surgeon Jerry Murphy was acting as a locum and was on call on a 24-hour basis if needed.
“He is planning to fully retire next June and if he does I fear that will be the end of 24-hour cover,” Mr O’Shea said.
The HSE said discussions were taking place with key personnel around cost containment plans for the hospital.
“A review of all activity levels within the hospital is under way in order to achieve these efficiencies and meet the above financial target. Various costings have been put forward for discussion including closure of some beds with other efficiency measures,” a HSE spokesman said.
He added that no final decision would be made until all options had been explored.
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