Top level efforts to fast-track Mayo emergency department extension

A Mayo TD has raised the issue of excessive delays at Mayo University Hospital’s emergency and called again for the extension delivery to be fast-tracked.

Speaking in Dáil Éireann, Deputy Alan Dillon said more than 30 people were left on trolleys at the department earlier this week.

This forced the hospital to issue a statement noting that in excess of 170 patients had attended the department on one day, which is 30% higher than average and lead to extremely lengthy waiting times.

He stated: “Staff are working in very difficult circumstances to try and care for people who are critically ill or injured.

"This is a project that has been promised to the people of Mayo for the past ten years.

"Why can't the Minister for Health and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform not expedite this project like others were done during the Covid emergency?

"These are exceptional circumstances with serious safety concerns.

"Can all agencies not work together so that this project can be fast-tracked and delivered to those who deserve it most?"

Responding to Deputy Dillon, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar said: “I think we can expedite this project and I think we should.”

He noted he had not received an update on the project in several weeks but he would get one and pass it on to Deputy Dillon.

“I will be meeting with the new CEO of the HSE. I certainly want to see us expediting capital projects in hospitals across the country, not just in Castlebar. I know this is an important one.”

An Taoiseach noted that notwithstanding the extra 1,000 beds that have been added to hospitals over the past three years and the 20,000 more staff, demand has increased considerably.

“Even for this time of year in May, there is an unusually high number of patients on trolleys.

"As Deputy Dillon pointed out, attendances are 15% to 30% higher than would have been the case in Mayo 2019.

"It is very hard to understand what is driving this and it seriously concerns me.”

In response, Deputy Dillon said: The people of Mayo deserves timely and efficient emergency care, and we cannot afford to wait any longer.

"The design and procurement of this project must be fast-tracked. I’m working tirelessly to engage all key stakeholders to prioritize this critical project and ensure its swift completion."