Opening of elective hospital in Cork will enhance quality of care – Burke

A decision passed through Cabinet today to locate the elective hospital in Sarsfield Court in Glanmire has been hailed as a major step forward for healthcare in Cork, according to a Fine Gael TD.

Fine Gael Health Spokesperson and Cork TD, Colm Burke, said, “I have consistently advocated for an elective hospital for Cork and called for a facility which caters for both day care procedures and procedures that require inpatient care.

“In respect of potential sites, the HSE should not be expending money for acquiring additional land for an elective hospital as they are already own land at Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, on the Eastern side of Cork City.

“This site was previously recommended and there was a myriad of reasons for this. I’m delighted that Cabinet has recognised its potential and approved this recommendation.

Deputy Burke continued, “This won’t happen overnight, but the great advantage of this site is that you’re not limited, and you are unlikely to have any major planning concerns.

“We should be planning block by block and considering putting a public-private partnership in place to build the hospital. The private sector could then design, build, finance, and sell back to the HSE over a period. This is the quickest, most efficient way of seeing this hospital come to fruition.

“Now that we have chosen the site, we must move forward and ensure that it is delivered as quickly as possible.

“An elective hospital for Cork will not only deal with the current healthcare challenges but will also provide and cater for the healthcare challenges in the wider Munster region. We cannot delay in progressing this much needed facility.

‘’The population of Cork City and County has increased from 410,000 to 581,000 over the last 25 years, according to the recent census figures. This has resulted in greater need for health services, such as increased capital funding and a new elective hospital.

“I would like to commend the Minister and the Cabinet for their work on this issue. I will continue to advocate for the speedy delivery of this hospital to ensure that the people’s healthcare needs are met with urgency,” concluded Deputy Burke.