Patients get garda escort in hospital reconfiguration

A FLEET of ambulances whisked patients from one hospital to another across Cork city yesterday as part of a major reconfiguration of the health service.

A total of 23 orthopaedic trauma rehabilitation patients based at St Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital were transferred in several ambulances under garda escort across the city to the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital.

Patient safety was of “paramount” importance during the transfer, a HSE spokesman said.

“The transfer was a meticulously planned operation, planning for which commenced 18 months ago,” he said.

“Staff from both hospitals have been working collaboratively to implement the plan and had assistance from many colleagues such as ambulance service and the emergency management officer and outside agencies such as the gardaí.”

Health staff on duty at St Mary’s yesterday morning reported for duty at the South Infirmary in the afternoon to ensure continuity of care for patients.

The transfer is part of the relocation of orthopaedic services, including elective in-patient, rehabilitation trauma and day surgery, from St Mary’s to the South Infirmary.

The South Infirmary is moving towards becoming a fully elective hospital, which means planned patient surgeries cannot be interrupted by emergency admissions.

Elective orthopaedic surgery ceased at St Mary’s on November 25 to accommodate the transfer. These services will begin at the South Infirmary on December 12.

Three orthopaedic theatres have been built to accommodate this move.

Cardiology services have moved from the South Infirmary to the e85 million Cardiac Renal Centre at Cork University Hospital.

There are also plans to open a regional pain centre at the South Infirmary, the first of its kind in Ireland.