Coombe management raises ‘serious concerns’ over aging equipment

Management at the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital (CWIUH) planned to raise “serious concerns” over aging equipment and infrastructure with the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group (DMHG), this newspaper understands.

At the 24 October meeting of the hospital’s board of guardians and directors there was a presentation by the hospital engineer.

In the report delivered to board members it was highlighted that there were some issues with aging equipment and infrastructure at the hospital.

“In terms of replacement of plant and electrical equipment, the members discussed the challenges with aging infrastructure and the requirement to mitigate all risks,” according to the minutes obtained by the Medical Independent (MI) following a Freedom of Information request.

“In terms of aging equipment, the members requested that the hospital management would raise with the Hospital Group their serious concerns in this area, as it relates to both plant equipment and medical equipment.”

When asked whether the hospital management had raised the issue and whether any developments had taken place since October, a hospital spokesperson told MI “these are ongoing matters that are under the consideration of the board and executive management of the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital”.

Separately, the low number of student midwives commencing their training at the CWIUH was raised at board level in the second half of last year.

The issue was raised at the September meeting of the hospital’s board.

According to the minutes, a total of eight higher diploma student midwives had commenced their midwifery training out of 25 places.

“This deficit is concerning regarding future training of midwives,” the minutes recorded.