Clarity sought on the future of Mallow General Hospital
THE shadow of uncertainty hanging over the future of Mallow General Hospital (MGH) has prompted local TD Séan Sherlock to call for assurances that the facility will not be further down-graded.
The Cork East Labour Deputy has said what he described as the ‘massive reduction’ of services at the MGH was a cause for ‘serious concern’ that must be urgently addressed.
“The hospital is de facto closed save for a few services in operation. There are a number of wards closed, very few in-patients, the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) is apparently operating on an appointment only basis and the outpatient department is not functioning at capacity,” said Deputy Sherlock.
The Mallow-based TD said that he had spoken with HSE chief executive Paul Reid, who had assured him that there was no intention to downgrade the hospital.
While he said he had also been told full services would be restored and capital investment made to upgrade the hospital, Deputy Sherlock insisted that in the short-term clarity must be forthcoming on whether admissions will be reactivated and activity levels increased to ensure the future sustainability of the hospital.
He said that he intends to raise the matter on the floor of the Dáil at the first opportunity.
In the meantime he has written to both the HSE Health Minister Simon Harris seeking assurances that the full range of services at the MGH will be restored as soon as possible.
Deputy Sherlock also asked that the issue of infection control at the hospital be investigated following reports that it had been used to treat a small number of patients diagnosed with Covid-19 , which resulted in staff being exposed to the virus.
“How did so many staff members become exposed to COVID-19 to the point where the hospital’s capacity has been reduced? There are legitimate questions to be asked in this respect by management at the South/Southwest Hospital Group and the HSE,” said Deputy Sherlock.
“I hope that staff at the hospital who are self isolating or are COVID-19 positive will recover fully. We must also acknowledge the work of management and staff who are at present in the hospital. They are the backbone of the MGH and we owe them all a debt of gratitude for keeping the show on the road,” he added.
The Corkman attempted to contact a spokesperson for the South/Southwest Hospital Group for a comment but none was forthcoming at time of going to press.