Funding for extra hospital beds

More than 100 new hospital beds have been announced for Cork in the past week.

It was revealed on Monday that an extension at Heather House Community Nursing Unit on the St Mary’s Campus in Gurranabraher will provide 60 additional long-stay community nursing beds.

Cork North Central TD and Fine Gael Spokesperson for Health Colm Burke welcomed the news while also adding that Mercy University Hospital will receive funding for two new operating theatres.

“This funding is to replace two existing theatres. In addition, the funding is also being provided for the development of a new 30 bed ward and it is expected that this work will be completed by December 2021,” added Deputy Burke.

Meanwhile, a 48-bed block was given the green light at Mallow General Hospital by the HSE last Friday which will be funded by the Government.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East James O’Connor described it as “a significant vote of confidence” in Mallow General Hospital and health care across Cork county and the North Cork region health facilities.

“Mallow General Hospital has a critical role to play for the future of health care in rural Ireland. This expansion will allow for improvement on the level of elective procedures carried out at the hospital.

“This expansion is due to the hard work of the staffing community at Mallow General Hospital who work tirelessly to put the welfare of patients above all else. I want to thank them for their dedication and hard work, this year in particular. I know that this expansion will ease pressure on the hospital and bring great comfort for communities right across Cork,” concluded Deputy O'Connor.