Lack of obstetrics theatre is a big risk at Kerry hospital

The lack of a dedicated obstetric theatre in University Hospital Kerry (UHK) poses the greatest risk to patient safety and care, according to documents obtained by the Irish Examiner.

Consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist at the hospital Dr Mary McCaffrey said despite the identified risk, repeated business cases for provision of a new theatre “never seem to get incorporated into any building plans”.

The lack of a dedicated theatre has consistently ranked number one on the hospital’s risk register, with a maximum rating of 25, which according to the HSE’s own assessment tool equates to “extreme” risk.