Talk of a new hospital for Cork is risible

Plans for a new hospital in Cork have been touted by a Fine Gael TD and senator in recent days, just as a general election beckons. 

It seems the experts report that Cork needs a new hospital, that it hasn’t needed up to now... or at least not that we have heard of.

We have seen emergency services axed at the South Infirmary, Victoria University Hospital; reduced at Mercy University Hospital and under constant strain at CUH. There is the farcical situation of an urgently-needed cystic fibrosis ward at CUH (financed by charities) being ready to open but still not, due to a combination of HSE, Department of Health and management incompetence.