South-West Cork hospital closures
The Minister said he had no plans to close hospitals or wards in south-west Cork and was unaware of any such plans by the Southern Health Board, which is responsible for service decisions. He declined to give an assurance that closures would not occur.
asked the Minister for Health whether he has any plans for the closure of hospitals or wards in south-west Cork.
Comment on this
I have no plans to close hospitals or wards in south-west Cork. The organisation of hospital services in Cork is a matter for the Southern Health Board. It is the responsibility of the board to decide the level and range of services they can provide within their allocation.
I am not aware of any plans by the Southern Health Board to close hospitals or wards in south-west Cork.
Comment on this
May I take it from the last sentence of the Minister's reply that it will not happen or is the Minister washing his hands of the possibility that it might happen?
Comment on this
No, I am just making a statement of fact. I am not aware that the Southern Health Board have any plans to close the hospitals or wards in south west Cork.
Comment on this
Can I assure the local communities in west Cork that I have the Minister's assurance that it will not happen?
Comment on this
As I have already told the Deputy, primarily it is a matter for the Southern Health Board.