Cobh’s Hospital Future Hangs In The Balance.

Cobh Hospital May Have To Close

The future of Cobh’s 38 bed community hospital, and its forty employees hangs in the balance following speculation that the HSE are considering to cut funding for the hospital from €1,240 per bed per week to €840 per bed per week. This would result in the hospital having a shortfall of € 15,000 per week and annually €780,000.

Cobh Town Councillor John Mulvihill (Jnr) reacting to the news stated “it is very frustrating that as we see billions going in to the likes of Anglo Irish bank then if the speculation is correct that we might not find sufficient funding to ensure a community hospital like Cobh to survive. “

Cllr Mulvihill continued “for years we have been fighting to have an ambulance based in Cobh, but now we are faced with prospect of losing our hospital. The future for the 30 elderly patents also is very worrying; they will be forced to find other accommodation.”

''Very Frustrating'' says Councillor John Mulvihill (Jnr)

Cobh is one of the largest towns in this country, a lot of the governments policy is geared to community based care, and Cobh community hospital is the perfect example of what community care is about, the HSE possible decision flies in the face of that.

The elderly of Cobh, the Great Island and the lower harbour deserve much better from their government.

In a seperate statement the FRIENDS OF COBH HOSPITAL, tonight said ”Local & National politicians are striving to achieve the necessary funding. Questions from Deputy Stanton will be raised in the Dail on Thurs 29th. Deputy Michael Ahern is currently in discussions with Minister of State for the Elderley, Aine Brady re funding for Cobh Hospital. We thank everyone for the tremendous support to date”

Fundraiser for COBH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL “Paper Lanterns” Featuring- The Goldfish Players – A Play by Carol Dundon. Cobh Community Centre 29th April @ 8pm. Wine reception – 7.30 Tickets only €5 (available in Hospital) In aid of Cobh Community Hospital