Vol. 530 No. 6
279 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to reports from the union representing nursing staff of shortages of staff to deal with patients reporting to the accident and emergency centre in the Cork University Hospital; the steps he will take to resolve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4925/01]
The Deputy will be aware that the Southern Health Board is responsible, in the first instance, for the provision of services at Cork University Hospital.
I have been advised by the board that nursing staffing levels at the accident and emergency department have not been reduced and that there are appropriate staffing levels for the normal activity in the department. However, the department at the hospital has been particularly busy in recent weeks with an increase in the average number of new patients attending. Nursing staff are redeployed within the hospital to deal with these increases. I also understand that hospital management has entered into discussions with the nursing representatives involved.
The Southern Health Board expects to go to tender at the end of this year for the building of a new accident and emergency department at Cork University Hospital. I have recently approved the appointment of four accident and emergency consultants for the Southern Health Board area, with three specifically allocated for Cork. I am confident these measures will impact favourably on the continuing provision of accident and emergency services at Cork University Hospital.
