Staff losses impact on hospital’s safety

The loss of key staff at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) is jeopardising its ability to function safely, according to local Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil.

Mr Brassil outlines a litany of concerns in a letter to Ger O’Callaghan, chief operations officer of the South/Southwest hospital group, including a claim that the clinical director, Claire O’Brien, has temporarily stepped down from her post due to clinical pressure.

The hospital is currently without a full-time consultant cardiologist since the recent departure of heart specialist, Louis Keary.