HSE reassure Kerry TD’s on future of University Hospital

MANAGEMENT at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) have reassured Kerry TDs that there is no plan to downgrade the county’s main hospital.

On Monday senior HSE management from UHK presented Kerry TDs John Brassil (FF), Brendan Griffin (FG) and Michael and Danny Healy-Rae with a three hour briefing on developments at the hospital.

The briefing comes on foot of concerns about staff levels; a lack of beds and the number of vacant consultant positions at the hospital.

Deputy Brassil said the lengthy meeting had been productive and that management had provided assurances on a number of areas of concern.

Management reaffirmed the HSE’s commitment to maintaining the range of services at the hospital at their current level.

Regarding beds the TDs were told that subject to a funding allocation from the HSE ten additional beds are ready to be used this winter.

A number of vacant consultant posts – including cardiology and respiratory positions – are being filled. Two additional consultants have been appointed to the Emergency Unit bringing its consultant cohort to three.

Deputy Brassil said the meeting was reassuring and that the indications are that developments at the hospital are going in the right direction.

He did raise concerns about the hospital’s public relations which he said were “very badly handled” and helped foster fear and uncertainty among the public. UHK management have also agreed to hold quarterly meetings with Kerry’s TDs.