O’Shea Calls on HSE to Open 12 Refurbished Beds in Macroom Community Hospital Without Further Delay

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has called on the HSE to open the remaining 12 beds that have been fully refurbished and ready for use “for some time now,” saying the continued delay is unacceptable and negatively impacting the care of older people in the Macroom catchment area.

Deputy O’Shea said the completion of refurbishment works represented a much-needed investment in local healthcare capacity, but the inordinate delay in opening the beds has left families, frontline staff, and the wider community frustrated.

“Refurbishment works were completed many months ago, they have received HIQA compliance since July 2025 and yet these 12 beds remain closed. At a time when acute hospitals are under extreme pressure from the increase of influenza in the community and emergency departments facing the brunt of this impact, there is simply no justification for keeping fully functional and prepared beds idle,” added Deputy O’Shea.

He added that the HSE must provide a clear timeline now to have these beds opened without any further delay. I want them opened today – there is a waiting list for these beds with genuine people needing respite and long-term care. The community deserves better. Leaving valuable healthcare resources unused is not acceptable in my view.”

Deputy O’Shea said that opening the beds would immediately increase capacity, reduce pressure on acute services, and improve patient flow across the region. “I am calling on the HSE today to act without delay. These 12 beds must be opened immediately. Patients should not be left waiting while perfectly good facilities sit idle.”