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KERRY’S Fianna Fáil TD has written to the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Cork-Kerry Hospital Group to outline his very serious concerns about the ability of University Hospital Kerry to carry out its functions.
Deputy John Brassil wrote the letter in the context of the lack of key personnel which he claims makes it very difficult for the hospital to function in a safe and efficient manner.
“We currently do not have a consultant cardiologist, the last remaining consultant pathologist is leaving the hospital, and the hospital has only one consultant geriatrician.
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“Two very important units, the stroke and diabetes units are barely operational due to a lack of key staff. UHK is at crisis point. It cannot be allowed to continue, and unless the Cork-Kerry Hospital Group, and the wider HSE, get its act together, patient safety will continue to be put at risk.”
“In my letter to the COO, I argue that if there are staff shortages, and especially clinical staff shortages, at a certain hospital, it is the responsibility of the Hospital Group to step in and alleviate the pressure.
“This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The Hospital Group must urgently intervene or we risk putting the lives and wellbeing of patients at risk,” said Brassil.
