THE CONTROVERSIAL issue of co-location will come under the microscope tomorrow evening when the second debate in the 2009 Pfizer Health Debates Series, in association with The Irish Times, takes place in Cork.
The event, which is open to the public, aims to extend issues of general healthcare to a wider audience. It will hear speakers debate the motion: “This house agrees that hospital co-location is neither financially viable nor ethically sound.”
Speaking for the motion will be Dr Ronan Boland, chairman of the GP Committee, Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), and Dr Christine O’Malley, a consultant geriatrician at Nenagh General Hospital and former president of the IMO.
Arguing against the motion will be Michael Cullen, chief executive of the Beacon Medical Group which is involved in building co-located facilities, and Brian Turner, department of economics, University College Cork (UCC).
The debate, which takes place in the Kane Building, UCC, is being chaired by Fintan O'Toole , Irish Timesassistant editor and columnist. The event begins at 6.30pm and admission is free. However, those wishing to attend must register in advance at healthdebates@ogilvy.com or call Serena Leyden 01-6690030.