Cork's northside leading the way on shift from hospital to community care

Mari O'Donovan (left), Community Healthcare Network Manager and John Sheehan GP Lead. “People can go to St Mary’s for chronic disease and care for older adults." Photo: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland

People in the north of Cork city have been among the first to benefit from a shift away from hospitals to community care with one GP saying treatment has completely changed.

It has been estimated nationally the number of over-75s attending hospital emergency departments could be reduced by 20% through better community care. It is hoped to reduce emergency admissions related to chronic illness by 20%.