Fine Gael Cork South Central Senator, Jerry Buttimer, today (Tuesday) questioned the wisdom of allowing the proposed relocation of cancer services, from South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) to Cork University Hospital (CUH), to proceed.
“This plan is to be implemented over the next few months, despite the fact that the consultation process has not yet been completed. The question must be asked as to whether, in our current economic situation, it is even cost effective to move these services from one hospital to another?
“Furthermore, it is highly unlikely that CUH will be able to cope with the extra demand placed on it if the relocation goes ahead as the hospital infrastructure would struggle to meet the demands of any further expansion. People have been in contact with me complaining that they have faced extensive queues when attempting to gain entry to hospital car parks and if this is the current situation heaven knows the outcome of additional services adding to the already strained campus.
“A viable alternative would be to have the two hospitals working more closely together to deliver the best possible cancer service. Relocating cancer services, with a view to remaining on schedule, rather than to delivering the best possible patient care, is foolhardy. It would be much better to deliver an adequate service to meet patient requirements.
“The downgrading of hospital services in Cork City must be opposed and fought at every turn. We need to protect our hospital services so that they remain accessible for all patients in need.”