Staffing row may delay opening of new Cork Maternity Hospital

The opening of the country's largest maternity hospital could be delayed because of problems with staffing levels.

The HSE says the opening of the Cork University Maternity Hospital is on track for later this month, but the Irish Nurses' Organisation claims no agreement has been reached for the transfer of the majority of midwives from the Bon Secours hospital in the city.

Michael Dineen of the INO says it is difficult to see how the March 24 opening date can be maintained.

"It's difficult to see how optimum levels of care can be given with the numbers that have been identified by the HSE at this point in time," he said.

"Everyone welcomes the development of the new CUMH, because, if it is properly staffed, it will be a state-of-the-art facility. But unfortunately the emphasis so far has been on the aesthetics of the building, rather than looking at the issue of staffing."