(a) Cllr Margaret McDonnell put forward the following question:
“To ask the Chief Officer for HSE South West: Given that the site for the Glanmire Primary Care Centre has been confirmed and planning matters have been resolved, why has construction of this much-needed facility not yet commenced? What factors are causing the delay, and what is the clear commencement and completion timeline for the project?”
A written response from Mr Daniel Clifford, Director of Estates, HSE South West was circulated to members and noted. Cllr McDonnell thanked Mr. Clifford for his informative response.
(b) Cllr Ann Bambury put forward the following question:
”This question refers to “Block A” on the Cork University Hospital (CUH) campus.
My understanding is that this development is intended to provide approximately 95 new inpatient beds. I would be grateful if you could provide an update on the current status of this project, including: the expected timeline for commencement of construction; the anticipated completion date; any recent developments or approvals related to the project.”
A written response from Mr Daniel Clifford, Director of Estates, HSE South West was circulated to members and noted. In response to a query from Cllr. Bambury, Mr. Clifford provided additional details on the project approval pathway and the expected timelines for
each stage of that process. Cllr Bambury thanked Mr. Clifford for his response and acknowledged both the scope and the complexity of the project.
(c) Cllr Peter Horgan put forward the following question:
“To ask the number of ambulance paramedic and EMT staff in each base across Cork and Kerry and vacancies in each base that needs to be filled to bring a full Staff complement to meet demand.”
A written response from Mr Rob Moriarty, General Manager Cork and Kerry, National Ambulance Service, was circulated to members and noted.
(d) Cllr Mikey Sheehy put forward the following question:
“What plans are in place across the region to address Endoscopy waiting lists when the current in scouring model finishes in May.”
A written response from Ms Priscilla Lynch, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager Cork South and West, HSE South West was circulated to members and noted. Cllr Sheehy expressed appreciation to HSE Management for the comprehensive response provided on this important issue. He raised several queries, including whether waiting lists would be addressed on a regional basis, how progress would be measured following completion of the current model, and what contingency plans are in place should recruitment and retention challenges persist.
Mr Jonathan Hoare responded that the introduction of new regional structures enables a stronger regional oversight, allowing for more effective use of available resources to address waiting lists. He noted that additional capacity is being utilised through the Endoscopy Unit at Bantry General Hospital, as well as at Mercy University Hospital and Cork University Hospital. He further outlined the ongoing use of waiting list pooling, alongside continued efforts in recruitment and in maximising existing services.
(e) Cllr Deirdre Ferris put forward the following question:
“Can the members be supplied with the number of complaints received regarding patient care in the past 4 years including a breakdown per area and facility?”
A written response from Dr Peter Kearney, Regional Clinical Director, HSE South West was circulated to members and noted. Cllr Ferris thanked the HSE Management for the response and the information provided. She said that Your Service Your Say is something that is very important it empowers people to have a voice. She has received a lot of complaints about the discharge planning process and may seek further information on this matter. Mr Jonathan Hoare responded that the HSE welcomes all feedback, both positive and negative, emphasising that it plays a key role in supporting learning, service improvement and accountability. He explained that, where possible, complaints are managed at a local level, and that complaint data is regularly monitored to identify trends and enhance patient care, noting that issues raised often relate to areas such as access, communication and quality of care. He further highlighted that the number of complaints received is relatively small when considered against the high volume of daily interactions between service users and HSE staff across the wide range of services provided.
(f) Cllr Danny Collins put forward the following question:
“What are the times and stages of the progression plan for the proposed development of the respite and day services that’s to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and Autism Centre planned for Dunmanway.”
A written response from Ms Priscilla Lynch, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager Cork South and West, HSE South West was circulated to members and noted. Ms Emer Shanley, General Manager, acknowledged the support which the local community have given this project and said that HSE management is engaging with CoAction on the business case submitted.