Very Serious Concerns about Cobh Community Hospital – Stanton

Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton has today (Tuesday) voiced very serious concerns that Cobh Community Hospital may not be in a position to remain open as a result of Government funding changes.

“It seems that changes introduced to funding schemes for nursing homes and community hospitals mean that Cobh Community Hospital is being classified as a nursing home.  This will result in a dramatic decrease in the funding Cobh Hospital will receive.  I understand that with such a reduction in funding may mean that Cobh Community Hospital may have to close.

“It would be a terrible loss for the people of Cobh if the new funding arrangements result in the closure of their Community Hospital. The people of Cobh and the “Friends of Cobh Hospital” have been fundraising for the hospital for many years. The work of the hospital and its staff are hugely valued by the local community.

“The residential services offered by Cobh Community Hospital are vital to the area. It is the only facility providing nursing home care on Great Island. I understand the Government’s need to introduce one single funding mechanism for nursing home residents, but I do feel it should not be at the expense of the Cobh community.  The people of Cobh deserve to have access to a nursing home service on an island of almost 20,000 people.

The people of Cobh feel very aggrieved at their treatment by the Government.  The potential closure of their Community Hospital comes at a time when it seems they are also facing the closure of the court house in the town. On top of this the Government have failed to address public concerns about the tiphead on Haulbowline Island and other issues relating to public health by refusing to carry out a health study of the harbour region.