Paediatric services to move from Cork's Mercy to CUH from next April

The timeline was confirmed on Monday after staff at MUH expressed concerns that the relocation appears to be happening now "by stealth". Picture: Larry Cummins.

The transfer of paediatric services from Cork’s Mercy University Hospital (MUH) to Cork University Hospital (CUH) will start next April.

The timeline was confirmed on Monday after staff at MUH expressed concerns that the relocation, which has been talked about for years, appears to be happening now "by stealth".

Independent city councillor Ken O’Flynn said he had been contacted by several MUH staff in recent days who were all very concerned about the relocation and the impact it would have on the provision of medical care on the northside of Cork city.

One person said that while relocation has been talked about for around two decades, union representatives are now seeking meetings to discuss it amid fears that it could happen within months.

In a statement, the South/South West Hospital Group (SSWHG) said it is working with MUH and CUH to plan the transfer and consolidation of paediatric services from MUH to CUH.

“It is intended that the migration of services will take place in April 2024,” it said.

“Until the date of transfer, paediatric services will continue at MUH.

Construction work is well underway at CUH on a near €10m 82-bed paediatric unit, with four surgical theatres. Picture: Dan Linehan

“The new paediatric department development located at CUH, combining both MUH and CUH paediatric departments, will cater for a centralised paediatric service within one location in Cork and in preparation for this transition an extended paediatric clinical governance structure is now led by a clinical director for the combined city services.

“This new development will deliver high quality care for children and will provide much needed paediatric care consistent with clinical care pathways and the model of care.” 

Construction work is well underway at CUH on a near €10m 82-bed paediatric unit, with four surgical theatres.

Mr O’Flynn expressed his “deep outrage, shock and disappointment” about the impending closure of paediatric services at MUH and he urged the HSE to reconsider the move.

“This decision demonstrates a failure on the part of the HSE and the government to adequately provide for the needs and services required by the people of our city," he said.

“Our concerns are further exacerbated by the fact that the northside of the city appears to be the forgotten land, where nobody seems to have any interest.

“With all services being relocated to CUH, families from the northside of the city will face significant challenges in accessing the care their children urgently require."