New manager chosen by HSE boss to begin plan to 'improve' CUH

A new HSE manager has begun a “focussed programme of improvement” at Cork University Hospital.

Priscilla Lynch, the HSE’s integrated healthcare area (IHA) manager for Cork South and West previously oversaw CUH as part of her role.

The HSE has confirmed that though Ms Lynch remains in her role, the other Cork IHA manager, Sonya Cotter, who usually covers Cork North and East, is now supporting the hospital due to "operational and financial challenges".

Nine clinical directors of CUH last week wrote a letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin about ongoing staffing issues in the hospital, echoing the concerns of CUH CEO Jennifer Kearney in a letter to Ms Lynch this summer.

Since then, Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeil has dismissed the concerns, repeatedly saying that the hospital has hired twice as many people as had been budgeted for.

A spokesperson for the HSE said: “Priscilla Lynch remains in her role as IHA manager for Cork South and West.

“In light of the operational and financial challenges facing CUH, a decision has been taken nationally to undertake a focussed programme of service improvement to address the issues identified.

“Sonya Cotter, IHA manager, North and East, and regional lead for acute hospitals, has been nominated by HSE CEO, Ms Anne O’Connor, to provide dedicated performance support to CUH.” 

Cork Social Democrat TD and former CUH staff member Liam Quaide said: “No amount of moving managers around will resolve the impossible position in which CUH and the wider South West region have been placed by Government recruitment restrictions.

“Staff are being expected to maintain services and protect patient safety without the workforce they need.

“The nine clinical directors at CUH have demonstrated their duty of care to patients by collectively raising serious concerns about staffing shortages directly with the Taoiseach.” This same duty must be demonstrated by HSE management, he said.

It comes amid reports that Ms Kearney was warned of possible 'performance management' action after raising concerns about staffing and patient safety.

Cork Labour Senator Laura Harmon said: “Hospital leaders must have the confidence to speak openly about risks.

“Any suggestion that raising concerns could lead to professional consequences risks discouraging others from speaking out. Patients depend on staff at every level having the confidence to raise the alarm.”