Hospital defers non-urgent surgery due to high patient numbers

THE general manager of Mayo University Hospital has issued a statement explaining why 36 patients are on trolleys today at the facility, the third highest number in the country.

Charlie Meehan said the emergency department in Castlebar was extremely busy over the weekend and today (Monday) with a high number of patients requiring admission.

All available beds are in use at the hospital at the moment and, due to the pressure on the emergency department, it has been necessary to accommodate patients in the medical assessment unit, day surgery unit and the medical day unit.

The statement said every effort is being made to identify in-patient beds for those requiring admission.

The hospital is working closely with community services to provide additional home supports and beds in district hospitals and nursing homes while Mayo University Hospital has deferred non-urgent surgery for the remainder of this week to accommodate additional medical patients.

Mr. Meehan has reminded the public that the emergency department is for emergencies only and patients should contact the GP before attending the department.