1 April 2017
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Fine Gael Cork Senator and Leader of Seanad Éireann, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Health, Simon Harris, of additional investment in services at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH).
“My Fine Gael colleague Minister Harris, has announced a €1.1 million investment in CUMH in 2017. This is great news for women who will receive better services as a result, and it is really positive in terms of the future development of the hospital.
“Minister Harris confirmed to me that he had a very positive meeting with consultants from CUMH, the new Clinical Director for Women and Children’s Services Directorate, Prof. John Higgins, as well as HSE and Department officials.
“The Minister is following through on a commitment he made to the hospital when he visited in January, to significantly increase services and as a result reduce the number of women waiting for procedures.
“The Minister also supports the trajectory of the three year plan for the hospital and I know that CUMH can look forward to a positive future.
“This plan will deliver enhanced services and will reduce waiting lists for women.
“Prof. Higgins has spoken of plans to open a day ward, two theatres and a one stop shop at the hospital to provide important outpatient assessment.
““This additional funding of €1.1m in 2017, alongside new governance structures, and the overall three year plan will lead to enhanced services and reduce waiting lists, which will be of immense benefit to women in cork and Munster region.”