Medical hub plan paves way for new 50-bed unit at Mayo University Hospital

PLANS have been drafted to increase capacity at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) by an additional 50 beds for future needs.

A key component in the proposal is the construction of a new medical hub on a site adjacent to the existing primary care centre at Moneen, Castlebar.

A design of the hub has been submitted to the HSE at national level and stakeholders are hopeful it will commence later this year.

Once it is in place a number of departments will be transferred from the hospital to the new facility.

Phase one will involve physiotherapists and occupational therapists, with the creation of 15 new posts.

A further 30 multidisciplinary staff are expected to be appointed during phase two and they will work right across the county.

When fully operational the hub will have diagnostics and chronic disease staff on-site along with other specialist teams in the areas of cardiology, respiratory and diabetes, bringing the number of new positions created to 60.

The space created by the transfer of the services to the new Moneen site will be utilised for a new 50-bed unit at MUH.

The masterplan has been outlined to HSE West Forum member Councillor Blackie Gavin, by Frank Murphy, head of primary care services in Mayo, Galway and Roscommon.

Councillor Gavin said the hub will be essential in alleviating pressures at MUH, which is currently utilising facilities at the Sacred Heart Hospital in the town to cope with growing patient numbers.