CURRENT facilities in the South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) for dermatology and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) patients are “not fit for purpose” and need urgent investment.
The South Infirmary / Victoria Hospital on the Old Blackrock Road , Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan
That’s according to Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, who said that SIVUH’s position as the busiest dermatology hospital in the country needed to be recognised by the Government.
He said capital investment was needed in the building to modernise facilities to match the commitment of world-class staff to their patients. He told the Evening Echo: “The current facilities are not fit for purpose in regards to dermatology and ENT.
The wonderful staff at SIVUH who are working to the best of their ability deserve to have conditions that are fit and proper, as do the patients who rely on the hospital.”
“It is the busiest hospital in the country when it comes to dermatology. I have spoken to staff and patients who are very concerned. It is not good enough.”
SIVUH has by far the greatest number of dermatology patients in Ireland, according to official figures.In 2016, it saw more than 2,500 new patients attend its outpatients department between January and July, while more than 4,000 existing patients returned.
In 2015, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) found that despite improvements made by the hospital, four theatres did not comply with international standards and design specifications needed for a safe surgical environment.
HIQA inspectors found in April 2015 that there were a number of high risks in the infrastructure and design of four of the hospitals nine theatres.
Investment in new operating theatres is a priority and top of the agenda for the HSE, health bosses have said.
In light of the HIQA reports, engineering and architectural consultants were appointed to assess the four existing theatres in order to identify the cost involved – a process which would strengthen the hospital’s business case for investment in new theatres.
There are plans for a new hospital in Cork — at least a decade away, according to health bosses — but there have been growing calls to make sure that focus on the new hospital does not mean the likes of SIVUH is neglected in the interim.
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