Hospital patients must sign consent forms over ICU

PATIENTS who are treated at hospitals in Mallow and Bantry will have to sign informed consent agreements acknowledging they are aware not all services are available due to the HSE’s downgrading scheme.

A hospital model system based on the service changes being implemented across the country has stated that the measure will be needed due to the reduced treatments available in certain facilities.

According to the documentation, smaller hospitals such as those in north and west Cork, will have to ensure their patients know there is no fully operational intensive care unit or “a full spectrum of acute hospital resuscitation” such as intubation and ventilation when entering the building.