Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the reporting by the Irish Examiner today that Cork University Hospital is set to become the only acute hospital in Cork and Kerry, resulting in the downgrading of Mallow and Bantry general hospitals, the Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork city, and Kerry General Hospital, all of which currently provide acute care. I seek such a debate in the House to ask the Minister for Health and Children to explain how she proposes that Cork University Hospital will become the sole provider of acute care. I also seek an explanation as to how people's lives in the catchment area of these hospitals will be affected as a result of this reconfiguration.

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