HSE reveals Cork plans

The HSE has embarked on a new drive to secure the development of primary care facilities on the southside of Cork City.

And it has confirmed that design work on a major new primary care centre on the northside has begun.

This facility, which will be built on the grounds of St Mary’s Health Campus in Gurranabraher, will also provide accommodation for University College Cork, including a dental school service, the faculty of general practice, and a Centre for Urban Health Studies and Health and Wellbeing Centre — offering the potential for undergraduate and post-graduate education and training programmes.

The news comes as the HSE invites submissions from individuals or companies who are developing, or who are planning to develop, health facilities at locations on the southside which would facilitate the delivery of primary of health care in conjunction with local GPs. The HSE has earmarked the Bishopstown, Togher and Ballyphehane, Greenmount, and The Lough areas in its call.

The HSE said it requires accommodation from 600 to 2,600sq m, and that it is interested in entering into fixed-term leases with providers.

Cllr John Buttimer, the chairman of the HSE South Regional Health Forum, welcomed the move, and in particular the fact that the Togher and Ballyphehane areas are included.

Interested parties have until December 19 to make submissions.

Meanwhile, the HSE said the primary care centre for north-west of the city would meet the needs of up to 40,000 people. Minister of state at the Department of Health, Kathleen Lynch,

said it would allow for the transfer of HSE services and staff to work together with GPs in one setting.