OPPOSITION parties have described as “deeply disappointing” a decision to transfer orthopaedic services from St Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital in Cork to the South Infirmary Hospital in the city.
Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher said that during the election campaign, in a “blatant attempt” to shore up support and win votes, Minister for Health James Reilly made an explicit commitment that no services would be withdrawn from St Mary’s.
“Comfortably in office, the Minister has now decided to turn his back on the community and his commitment. There will be deep anger in the community at the Minister’s complete U-turn on this issue,” said Mr Kelleher.
Sinn Féin TD in Cork North Central, Jonathan O’Brien, said the people of the area felt betrayed by Dr Reilly’s actions. He said that after just 100 days in office, the Government already had a series of U-turns and a clutch of broken promises to its credit.
“Of particular concern to people on Cork’s northside is Fine Gael’s abandonment of its election pledge to keep the orthopaedic services open.”
Last year, the Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed its plan to relocate orthopaedic services, including elective in-patient, rehabilitation trauma and day surgery from St Mary’s to the South Infirmary. The relocation was prioritised in HSE South’s business plan for 2010.
The relocation was later approved by both the Reconsideration Forum and HSE South’s regional management team.
Dr Reilly met Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Dara Murphy on March 15th and during this meeting, the Minister confirmed his commitment to review the plans for St Mary’s. He asked that no withdrawal of services should take place pending the completion of a review.
Last Thursday, Dr Reilly met representatives of St Mary’s and told them the decision to transfer orthopaedics would not be reversed. He assured staff there would be no job losses.
It is understood that work on the new operating theatres at the South Infirmary are at an advanced stage.
Fine Gael has indicated that given the economic situation it is not possible to incur further costs by undoing the move that began under the last government.