Hospital challenge to politicians

MALLOW hospital provides an excellent service for the people of north Cork. The population of the area is expanding rapidly, putting more strain on the hospital, particularly as Mallow is designated a hub town under the national spatial strategy.

Mallow hospital has the smallest budget of any general hospital in the country. It is at least as busy as any of the other regional hospitals, and indeed is busier than most of them.

It seems the people of north Cork, when requiring hospital care, are less deserving than people elsewhere — less money is spent on a patient admitted to Mallow than to any other hospital in the country.

To illustrate the point, here are some comparative budget figures:

*Louth County: €24m

*Roscommon General: €20m

*Nenagh General: €15m

*Our Lady’s, Cashel: €14m

*Mallow: €13m

These are startling facts. Why are the people of north Cork so poorly regarded and seemingly less worthy than people living elsewhere.

This was why we issued an open letter to politicians in the region a few months ago.

We expected a robust response. But there was only silence.

Since the unsuccessful attempt to close the hospital in the 1980s, no interest has been shown in it or in developing its facilities.

The sole concern of health board management seems to be to ensure the budget is balanced. They seem almost indifferent to patient care.

Other general hospitals around the country serving smaller populations have far greater budgets and newer and better facilities than Mallow.

Local political influence is a major factor in determining the resources given to any hospital or other public facility. Sufficient political pressure has never been brought to bear to ensure Mallow hospital has the budget and facilities that it requires.

Next year is election year. We the Friends of Mallow Hospital are determined that the lack of development and investment in the hospital will be a major issue.

There must be a very significant increase in the budget so that it matches that of comparable hospitals.

And funding must be provided before the election for the immediate commencement of the long-promised day procedures unit and facilities for medicine for the elderly.

John Madden

Chairman Kathleen O’Sullivan

Secretary Noel O’Connor

Treasurer

Friends of Mallow Hospital

‘Mulcair’

Spa Glen

Mallow

Co Cork