Inquest told of mayo hospital staff shortages

A NUMBER of nurses at Mayo General Hospital have outlined serious staffing issues at the emergency department there at an inquest into the death of an 82-year-old local man.

In depositions at the inquest in Castlebar today, several staff described how they have had patient safety concerns because of a shortage of nurses.

The inquest into the death of Darby King heard how 'grave concerns' were expressed in correspondence with hospital management about the ability to maintain safety with depleted staffing levels on the week he was admitted to hospital last year.

It also heard claims from Mr King's daughter that he was not treated with care or dignity during his time in the emergency department.

M.r King sustained minor injuries in a traffic collision on 24 April 2014 but his condition deteriorated in the days that followed and he died on 27 April.

The inquest  has heard how clinical nursing manager Jennifer Quinn sent emails on 22 and 24 April outlining the impact sick-leave and maternity leave had on the provision of care in the emergency department.