Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the reply. Mallow General Hospital has had large investment in its theatres and so forth in recent times. Right through various crises this year, especially in the earlier part of the year from January to March, the theatres were closed for a long time. Up to and including 1 April, there were four weeks when no work was going on there because of issues, and at that time there was massive pressure on Cork University Hospital, CUH, and on the city hospitals.

There are approximately 20 vacancies, as the Minister said. When will they be advertised and filled? We have to be serious about making sure that all services are utilised to the fullest extent that is humanly possible to make sure that Mallow General Hospital can continue to provide fantastic work and services. I have personally experienced it throughout the years and I cannot praise the people who are working there enough. Top of the range surgeons are working there but it is underutilised, particularly when there are massive challenges in the city hospitals. It is high time that we looked at Mallow General Hospital and other hospitals to make sure they are working to full capacity.

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