Plan for Obstetrics unit is ‘stuck in limbo’
HOPES are fading fast that a long-planned dedicated obstetrics theatre at University Hospital Kerry would be developed in the near future.
The obstetrics theatre is part of the HSE’s capital plans for the hospital in the period 2017 - 2026.
In its absence, any complications arising during the deliveries of infants on the hospital’s Labour Ward and which require surgery - like ceasarean sections for instance –are dealt with in general theatre.
This in turn is placing further demand on the hospital’s ability to carry out general surgeries.
“If you were building a hospital in the morning absolute provision would be made for an obstetrics theatre, it’s a vital unit,” Deputy Brassil – Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Primary Care - told The Kerryman.
However, a recent query he posed the HSE on the capital submission made by the South/ South West Hospital Group for the theatre left him less than assured of a positive outcome in the near future.
“The response is less than promising. While the HSE says that it is a priority, no timeline, other than saying it will be completed as part of the HSE Capital Investment Programme 2017 – 2026, was given to me.
“It seems to me that the project is stuck in limbo and unless priority is given to it by the Government, it will not see any progress any time soon,” Deputy Brassil added.