Press release

Closure of Orthopaedic a Slap in the Face for Cork’s Northside

Sinn Féin councillors Jonathan O’Brien and Thomas Gould have described yesterday’s announcement of the closure of the orthopaedic hospital as a slap in the face for Cork’s Northside.

They commented: “Yesterday it was announced that the sole remaining hospital on the Northside of the city is to be closed. This comes as the conclusion of an ongoing process, beginning with the closure of the North Infirmary and continuing with the gradual downgrading of the Orthopaedic over recent years, which has seen hospital services progressively withdrawn from the Northside.”

“This is a slap in the face for residents of the area who need more health care services, not less.”

“The fact that people on the Northside – including rapidly expanding communities like Blarney and Glanmire – will have to travel to the south of the city for hospital care can only result in longer response times, more stress for patients and their families, and a decreased standard of care.”

“The Orthopaedic, situated as it is on a large body of undeveloped land, would be an ideal location for a general hospital servicing the Northside. Instead of being closed, it should be developed as the centre for an wider range of health care services.”

“Sinn Féin supports the workers and their families in their campaign against the closure of the hospital. Despite yesterday’s decision, we are committed to the continued campaign for adequate health services for Cork’s Northside.”

For further information contact Cllr Jonathan O’Brien @ 085/2133907 or Cllr Thomas Gould @ 087/3021551.