Cork University Hospital staffing and safety
Deputy Rice said worsening staff shortages at Cork University Hospital were jeopardising patient safety and asked for an independent assessment and Taoiseach’s intervention. The Taoiseach pointed to increased funding and staffing, questioned an allegation about pressure on the hospital’s CEO, and did not provide the requested commitment before time ran out.
In August, the CEO of Cork University Hospital, CUH, raised serious concerns about the impact staff shortages will have on patient safety in the hospital this winter. We are now in winter, and the situation has got worse and not better. These concerns were echoed by the consultant committee, the clinical directors and countless front-line staff, yet they have been dismissed by the Minister for Health. Staff shortages have resulted in over 4,000 people waiting over 24 hours in the accident and emergency unit in the first half of the year, CT scanners operating at 50% capacity, paediatric epilepsy supports being cut, 21 beds being stuck in limbo, a reduction in maternity services and the surgical hub shambles. Staff morale is on the floor as a result.
The latest we have heard is that the hospital CEO has been threatened with a performance review for speaking out. It is an attempt to silence dissent. Is it appropriate to threaten hospital CEOs who speak out about patient safety concerns with disciplinary action? Does the Taoiseach accept the concerns expressed to him directly by nine clinical directors in the hospital? Will he commit to an independent assessment of the headcount to ensure there is adequate staff in CUH to deliver vital services in addition to the work being done by HIQA?
Comment on this
Funding to Cork University Hospital increased from about €303 million in 2019 to €600 million in 2025. That is a very significant investment. There has been a huge increase in staff. It has gone from about 3,456 in 2019 to about 4,870 by the end of 2025. It is now at 5,194.
Comment on this
We need an independent assessment.
Comment on this
I have serious question marks over the veracity of that assertion. People need to be very careful about what is being asserted.
Comment on this
For example, my office was referenced in some newspaper reports, and it was completely false.
Comment on this
Will the Taoiseach at least speak to the Minister about this?
Comment on this
Will the Taoiseach agree to an independent assessment?