Reilly visits battling hospital

THE Health Minister said there is “room for compromise” in a continuing battle between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and campaigners over bed closures at a West Cork hospital.

During a private visit yesterday to Clonakilty Community Hospital, Dr James Reilly said he wanted to see for himself what the situation on the ground was, because he had heard the community’s concerns.

Already, the HSE has closed 46 beds at the hospital, but plans to close a further 16 have been put on hold following a pledge by Dr Reilly to review the situation.