Deputy Michael Healy Rae TD has called on the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to give University Hospital Kerry (UHK) the vote of confidence that it needs to proceed immediately with the planned construction of a new orthopedic clean-air theatre.
Grave Concerns
The Kerry deputy said he still has ‘grave concerns’ over the commitment following a parliamentary question placed to the minister in relation to orthopedic operations in UHK.
Resumption of Some Services
Despite the resumption of a number of services since early June 2020 UHK, Deputy Healy Rae still feels that, for all intents and purposes, our A & E when it comes to orthopedic cases will be nothing more than a dressing station and a referral unit to refer the patient to somewhere else to have the necessary procedure that they require to be carried out.
Still No Concrete Promise
“While welcoming the fact that since June 2020 a number of services have gradually recommenced in UHK, I feel that there still has been no concrete promise of a new orthopaedic clean-air theatre despite it being mooted by the minister as going to a design stage,” said the Kilgarvan TD.
UHK Being Shut Down
“I have championed the causes of orthopedic operations for many years but I feel that University Hospital Kerry, for all intents and purposes, is shut down completely with regard to doing orthopedic operations,” he charged.
Citing an example of a person from Caherciveen who breaks their ankle where they will go to UHK only to be assessed before being given a slot for the unit in Croom in Limerick where they might get a slot to have their operation a week later.
‘Thundering Disgrace’ Recycled
“I cannot believe that I am witnessing such a downgrading of our hospital in our county and I want to know why are you Minister allowing this to happen under your watch as it is an absolute thundering disgrace.
“We have an excellent hospital, we have excellent surgeons, we have excellent nurses, and we are not being allowed to carry out the hip, knee and other operations that we require to be carried out here,” said Deputy Healy Rae.
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