Health service – Idle A&E unit symptom of inept policies

The situation in Cork University Hospital epitomises the chronic state of the health service.

It defies belief that €16 million can be spent on building a hi-tech accident and emergency unit, only to have it lying idle because a further €3m, which would make it available for patients, will not be sanctioned by the Department of Finance.

Because there is an employment embargo in the public sector, that funding, a fraction of the cost of providing the unit, will not be sanctioned to employ the necessary staff to operate it.