The South/South West Hospital Group, of which Bantry General Hospital is part, says that they are taking action to address the current shortage of medical staff in Bantry.
The shortage has resulted in the hospital restricting the number of admissions for the last 14 days.
The Hospital Group told RedFM News this evening that staffing shortages in Bantry General Hospital arose because of unexpected issues in the recruitment of a permanent consultant, and also because of recent unexpected sick leave.
They say that to improve the situation, among other actions, a Consultant Geriatrician from CUH will be based in Bantry from the today for several weeks, two additional Consultant Physicians will start in Bantry on the 23rd of August, and another consultant has been offered a permanent position in the hospital.
The South/South West Hospital Group say the issues in Bantry are short-term and will be resolved in the coming weeks.
A protest has been organised to demonstrate against the Admission Restrictions. It will take place in the square in Bantry at 1o'clock on Sunday.
Speaking to RedFM News, Liam Conway of the INMO says their members are worried about the long-term future of the hospital:
"I suppose our members are very worried. Bantry General Hospital has a crucial part and role to play in the West Cork area and the county. With that service curtailed, the general public in West Cork have to travel to Kerry or they have to travel to Cork City to attend an Emergency Department. In addition, as well, the concern from staff is the long term future of Bantry General Hospital, so it's absolutely crucial that this issue is addressed, and the actual Bantry General Hospital continues to receive vital investment, because it is crucial to that area."
