13 September 2026
By Valerie Ryan
valerie@TheCork.ie
Cork Senator Laura Harmon recently called for urgent action on Cork University Hospital (CUH) overcrowding
she said:
“It is extremely concerning to hear that CUH was among the most overcrowded hospitals in Ireland last month. Staff shortages are now having drastic impacts. CUH was the second most overcrowded hospital with 830 people without beds. This is a matter of serious urgency and one that Government must address through expanding recruitment throughout the healthcare sector and scrapping caps. Our hospitals are crying out for better facilities and most importantly more vital personnel to manage this crisis.
“I am reiterating calls for the HSE and Minister for Health to publish patient-safety assessment underpinning the staffing restrictions at Cork University Hospital. They must explain why funded, clinically prioritised posts are being delayed and address the deficit ahead of the winter. The 172 identified priority posts have to be a priority if FF and FG are serious about addressing the safety concerns in CUH.
“Irish hospitals must be resourced to prepare for this winter. I urge the HSE heed the warnings made by INMO General Secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha that Australia and elsewhere saw record-levels of flu this winter and prepare in line with this. ”
Laura Harmon