The Southern Health Board has rejected claims that underfunding at Tralee General Hospital and bed closures have resulted in an increase in deaths.
In a letter to local TDs this year, a consultant surgeon Mr Tom McCormack outlined cases at the hospital of underfunding, closed wards and new day and other wards built but empty because of lack of money to employ nurses.
He also alleged that cancer among outpatients was going undetected because of the waiting lists. "These delays increase the mortality and morbidity of the surgery," he said.
However, in a statement the board said that closing a ward for three months last summer enabled hospital management to keep within the 2004 Service Plan, as adopted by members based on a €57.5 million allocation.
It denied there had been delays in the treatment of cancer patients. However, the hospital had experienced an increased demand for inpatient services, it said.
Some planned elective activity would be reduced, the board admitted. But all emergencies would be dealt with.
"We have endeavoured to ensure that our services are operational to the highest quality for the benefit of patients," the statement added.