Transfer of A&E Services from South Infirmary Unacceptable-O'Leary

Transfer of A&E Services from South Infirmary Unacceptable-O'Leary

Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Lerary has condemned the proposed closure of the A&E Unit at the South Infirmary Hospital and said further concentration of services on just two hospital campuses in the city would be bad for patients and communities.

Cllr O’Leary said:
“The announcement that the HSE is to close the Accident and Emergency Unit at the South Infirmary and transfer the service to another hospital will cause anger and concern among residents across the south east of the city.”
“While this had been proposed before, it was put on the back burner by the previous government after public opposition. Members of the current administration had stated before the election they would retain services at the South Infirmary if elected. They have now reneged on these pledges.”
“The South Infirmary serves a huge catchment area in the South East of the city, from Blackrock through Douglas and on to Carrigaline and the Lower Harbour. This area will now be left without a local A&E.”
“Following the transfer of services from St Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital to the Mercy, today’s announcement represents a further concentration of services on just two city centre hospitals. Both have limited space and there are issues with parking and access. People are entitled to ask whether the number of A&E beds currently available at the South Infirmary will be retained at the new site if the transfer of service goes ahead.”
“Further concentration of hospital services in the city is good neither for patients nor communities. This decision is a further example of the Fine Gael-Labour government following the same failed policies as Fianna Fáil.”
For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary @ 087-2794307