Charity set up without HSE consent

THE hospital charity at the centre of a two-year health service investigation over its expenditure was set up without HSE consent.

The HSE’s internal auditors have concluded there is “no evidence to confirm approval was given” to establish the Cork University Hospital (CUH) foundation on January 12, 2006.

According to the HSE audit, the foundation was set up as a company limited by guarantee and was designated for charitable tax status.