Call for fast-tracking of ED extension at Mayo University Hospital

A MAYO deputy has asked that the planned extension of the Emergency Department and Advance Medical Assessment Unit at Mayo University Hospital be fast-tracked in an accelerated programme within the Department of Health.

Speaking during Taoiseach’s questions this week, Deputy Dillon said one of the most pressing projects in Mayo is the long-awaited extension of the Emergency Department (ED) at the Castlebar hospital.

“The ED was initially built to cater for 20,000 patients. It now sees more than 40,000 annually, and that number is growing.

“An extension to the unit has been promised for the people of Mayo for the past 10 years,” said Deputy Dillon.

He continued: “Following a recent HIQA inspection in August 2022 at the hospital, long-term action to address the shortcomings in national standards to protect service users from the risks of harm associated with the design and delivery of healthcare.”

He outlined to the Taoiseach that the timeline for new proposed development approved in the HSE national capital plan will not be operational until 2025, with a new Accident and Emergency Department and an Advanced Medical Assessment unit planned.

Deputy Dillon asked that the HSE and Department of Health work together to see how they can fast-track these type of projects on an accelerated programme in order to protect people’s lives, improve outcomes and deliver healthcare in a modern and fit-for-purpose facility.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar replied: “I agree with Deputy Dillon that the ED needs to be extended in Castlebar. I am not sure if it can be fast-tracked, but I am working with Ministers Donnelly and Donohoe to see if there are particular health projects that we could fast-track, especially those involving expanded ED’s or additional bed capacity.

“There are a number of similar projects in the west region.”