Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 10 May 1990

Vol. 398 No. 6

Written Answers. - Cork Accident Emergency Services.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

65 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to establish an accident emergency unit on the north side of Cork city, in view of the increase of emergency admission, to the Cork Regional Hospital, whereby there have been 9,200 admissions to the accident and emergency department in 1989, which represents a 13 per cent increase over the number admitted in 1988; and the present position regarding the development of the accident and emergency department at the Mercy Hospital.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

A detailed examination of the accident and emergency services in Cork was carried out by officers of my Department, the Southern Health Board and representatives of the Mercy and South Infirmary Victoria Hospitals. A number of organisational changes were made to improve services including the introduction of computer facilities at the accident and emergency department at Cork Regional Hospital. In addition, a grant of £335,000 was made available in 1988 to upgrade accident and emergency and outpatient accommodation at the Mercy Hospital pending the further development of the hospital which is currently being planned.