Private hospital unit will see patients avoid A&E chaos

Unwell patients eager to avoid the emergency room chaos of public hospitals will soon have access to an alternative treatment venue at Cork’s largest private hospital.

From Wednesday, the Bon Secours Hospital on College Rd will operate a €700,000 medical assessment unit where patients with chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures, and acute asthma will have instant access to a consultant in emergency medicine.

Ronan O’Sullivan, who will head up the purpose-built, seven-bed unit, said patients will have the advantage of avoiding long trolley waits and can have necessary diagnostic tests organised on the spot.