Public meeting gives thumbs down to HSE’s plan to cut hospital beds

More than 250 people in North Cork last night gave an emphatic thumbs down to HSE plans to reduce bed numbers in Kanturk Community Hospital and downgrade local ambulance services.

Strong protests were voiced against a decision to close eight beds in the 48-bed hospital.

Amid warnings that the hospital may be ultimately closed, elected representatives for government and opposition parties pledged support to a campaign to fight the cuts, launched at a public meeting in Kanturk.