Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Jonathan O'Brien outlined, the hospital plays a crucial role in providing health services for people in the city and surrounding areas. It provides rehabilitation and step-down facilities for patients from Cork University Hospital and the Mercy Hospital, which frees up a substantial number of acute beds. The hospital has a number of vitally important rehabilitation wards. In recent months it has come under severe pressure. As Deputy Jonathan O'Brien outlined, the last minute reintroduction of agency staff in early January is coming to an end and it appears that 16 nursing and five home care assistant posts will be cut. This will result in additional pressure being put on a hospital that is already under significant pressure. The medical staff, particularly the nurses, are not only concerned about their working conditions but also about the effects on services and patient health. This is happening at a time when we should be investing in health services, not cutting back. It is wrong that there is any prospect of cutbacks at St. Finbarr's Hospital

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