HIQA report outlines lack of beds in Cork University Hospital
Michael Bolton
The latest report from Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has shown a bed shortage in Cork University Hospital (CUH) is leading to congestion in CUH’s emergency department.
HIQA made the findings when they conducted a risk-based announced inspection of CUH on 25th and 26th July 2023.
In the inspection, CUH was particularly challenged with limited availability of suitable beds in the community which impacted on the ability to transfer patients from the hospital.
This resulted in a number of patients experiencing a delay in their transfer of care and contributed to congestion in CUH’s emergency department.
The hospital was found to be compliant or substantially compliant with three national standards, partially compliant with six national standards and non-compliant with two national standards assessed during inspection.
At Ennis General Hospital, which was inspected on May 17th and 18th, it found the hospital to be compliant or substantially compliant with 10 national standards and partially compliant with one national standard assessed during inspection.
On the day of inspection, the hospital’s medical assessment unit and local injury unit were functioning well and were compliant with HSE targets related to patient experience times.
In the Mater University Hospital, HIQA found compliant with three national standards and partially compliant with one national standard.
Patients who spoke with inspectors on the day of inspection were complimentary about staff.
The National Maternity Hospital was inspected on the 30th and 31st of May 2023, and was compliant with seven standards, substantially compliant with two standards and partially compliant with two standards.
However, it was identified of staff shortfall across all grades, particularly in nursing and midwifery.
At Tipperary University Hospital, an unannounced inspection found emergency department was overcrowded, and improvements are needed to provide staff and patients with adequate facilities.
The inspection also found there were a number of vacancies across the majority of disciplines including consultant posts in emergency medicine and nursing staff.
At St Mary's Hospital at Phoinex Park, HIQA found the hospital to be compliant with four national standards, substantially compliant with five national standards and partially compliant with two national standards.
However, there were a number of vacancies across all staff disciplines, most evident across health and social care professionals, which impacted on patient care.
