Patient transfer is an issue of life and death

The use of ambulances from units based up to 80km from Cork City to transfer patients a short distance across campus at Cork University Hospital is not only bizarre but dangerous.

The purpose-built 50-bed acute mental health unit (AMHU) was opened to much fanfare two years ago, as it replaced a dreary and outdated ward that had been in use within the main hospital building since it was opened in 1979.

There is much that is praiseworthy about it. It cost €15m to build and was completed in 18 months within budget and on time.