CUH to shut operating theatres over Christmas

It is the second successive year that the hospital has sought to implement the measure despite growing pressures on the country’s health service.
An email was sent to CUH staff earlier this week informing them of the planned two-week closure. In 2017, a three-week closure was mooted but was met with defiance from staff as around 1,500 patients awaited surgery.
It comes just days after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar called on healthcare workers to avoid taking holidays during the winter period.
CUH sources told the Evening Echo the closure is mainly down to the fact many patients do not wish to undergo surgery at Christmas as they worry how it might affect holiday plans.
A hospital spokesperson said: “CUH has, as in previous years, put in place measures to address the requirement for continued patient care over the Christmas period. This includes the rostering of relevant staff and supports to manage patient flow.”

Both CUH and the Mercy University Hospital (MUH) have plans for additional ‘surge’ bed capacity ahead of the winter period.