Future needs of West Cork hospital are to be assessed, says HSE

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has said the future infrastructural needs of Bandon Community Hospital will be assessed as part of an upcoming regional healthcare planning process.

At a recent meeting of the HSE South West Regional Health Forum, the HSE said it is currently procuring, through the eTenders process, an architect-led integrated design team to undertake an assessment of healthcare infrastructural needs across the region.

“The services to be provided will be evaluated by population demographics within the region, and will be defined within detailed development control plans, to provide a roadmap for regional development, subject to capital funding and approvals,” the HSE said.

“These studies will be completed in Q1, 2027, and will encompass requirements pertaining to older persons services, inclusive of the Bandon region.”

These comments came following an urgent call for increased bed capacity and improved elderly care at Bandon Community Hospital in November, made by Social Democrats councillor for the Kinsale-Bandon electoral area, Ann Bambury.

Speaking to The Echo, Ms Bambury said she was pleased that the needs of older people in the area will form part of the regional assessment.

“It is vital that we continue to plan now for the significant demographic changes that are already underway,” said Ms Bambury.

“Older citizens from Bandon and its hinterlands cannot wait, we need to get a plan in place in the coming months.”

Ms Bambury said that Ireland is experiencing “one of the fastest-ageing populations in Europe”, bringing increased demand for older persons’ services, specifically in the West Cork area.

Recent research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), projects that long-term residential care beds and home support services will need to increase by at least 60% by 2040 to meet future demand.