HSE reform chief urged to allay patients’ fears

THE head of the reconfiguration of the HSE South’s hospital services has been urged to meet with rural patient representatives to allay fears over the controversial changes.

A formal letter sent to the head of the reform process, Prof John Higgins, after a public meeting organised by the Mallow Hospital Action Committee in north Cork, has called for firm statements to replace the “vague promises” made over the future of rural services in mid-Munster.

According to the letter – signed by local GPs, hospital doctors and Labour TD Sean Sherlock – existing services at Mallow General are vital to members of the public living in Charleville, Mallow, Kanturk, Newmarket and other areas of north Cork whose health may now be in jeopardy.