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.

Some orthopaedic patients are waiting over two years for procedures and just this week the health minister says the health service needs an extra €1bn to bring it up to scratch.

I would respectfully suggest that until we can properly manage the hospitals and services we have in Cork (including the proper staffing of them, which is presently beyond the scope of all involved), calls for a new hospital Leeside — however vague and opportunistic — should be shelved and public money better spent.

The experts have been known to get it wrong before and at some considerable cost.

Don’t try sprinting with the cast still on!

Mick Finn

Annmount

Friars Walk

Cork