COMPLAINTS FROM patients about Mallow General Hospital in north Cork has led to the launch of an independent inquiry into the safety and quality of care at the hospital.
The inquiry is being established under section 9 of the Health Act, 2007.
It will be carried out by Hiqa, the Health Information and Quality Authority.
The Health Service Executive and Minister for Health Mary Harney have been informed about the matter.
The complaints were made to the authority and the terms of reference are due to be announced next week.
Mallow General is an acute 76- bed hospital on the main Mallow-Limerick Road, a mile outside Mallow town.
It serves a population of 85,000–90,000 people.
The hospital provides second-level care for the population of Mallow and the hinterland of north Cork.
It also has close links with tertiary care centres in Cork city.
Mallow General Hospital is part of the Cork University Hospital Group, along with Cork University Hospital and St Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital.
The services provided at Mallow General include: general surgery (including urology and ear, nose and throat); general medicine (including cardiology and gastroenterology); a day procedure unit; intensive care/ coronary care; 24-hour accident and emergency service; radiology; and out-patient department.
The hospital is involved in teaching nursing, medical and paramedical students.
An in-service education programme is co-ordinated by the hospital’s clinical development co-ordinator.