CUH must improve managing budget, health minister says

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has expressed concern regarding the management of Cork University Hospital (CUH) budget and resources. Speaking after CUH CEO Jennifer Kearney wrote to the Health Service Executive (HSE) expressing rising concerns about patient safety due to staffing uncertainty, Ms. MacNeill emphasized that over the past five to six years, CUH's staffing has increased by 40%, while its budget has risen by 108%.

She stated that this year, CUH is significantly over its budget, adding that the hospital cannot continue to increase health budgets by 10%, 15%, or 20%, as it is considered unrealistic. Ms. MacNeill stressed that the hospital needs to manage within its budgets, similar to other regions and hospitals. However, she highlighted that while Cork has seen a significant increase in staffing, the increase in activity is only 16%, and there is more to be done to ensure the best value and deployment of resources.

The minister added that an increased budget was available, but the challenge lies in making choices about where to allocate those additional funds for optimal patient care.