Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central, Micheál Martin, says elective surgery at Cork University Hospital is being delayed because of chronic overcrowding in the Accident and Emergency Department.
Deputy Martin commented: “This morning in the Dáil, I asked the Tánaiste about the severe strain that the Health Service is under. The number of adults waiting for surgery throughout the country’s hospitals has increased since Minister James Reilly took office.
“Emails have been sent to wards telling staff to cancel elective surgery in cardiac, orthopaedic and neuro surgery cases. Shockingly, surgery for cancer patients is also being postponed, which is a terrible indictment of Minster Reilly’s handling of the Health Service.
“I have also been informed that 3 wards in CUH have closed in recent weeks. This is no way for a Health service to be run yet the Government continues to ignore these problems.
“Minister Reilly consistently informs us that waiting lists are getting smaller and the health service is getting better. These pronouncements are yet another example of this Government, all spin and no substance.
“The Minister needs to take action now to alleviate the delays to allow all elective surgery to resume .Patients and their families in Cork deserve more and I would urge the Minister to address this now.”
