Busy Cork A&E unit to close in April

THE emergency department at one of Cork city’s busiest hospitals is to close next April as part of a major reconfiguration of the region’s health services.

Last night, HSE officials confirmed that the unit at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) — which treats about 300 patients a week — will close on a phased basis over the coming months.

Cork’s second-busiest emergency department will provide a 12-hour daytime service from mid-December before shutting down completely in April.