Funding secured for vital medics at Mayo University Hospital

MAYO University Hospital (MUH) has secured funding for four new consultant anaesthetist roles, Deputy Alan Dillon has announced.

The addition of these positions ensures MUH's commitment to maintaining the best possible patient care.

Said Deputy Dillon: “I can confirm that these positions are now open for applications. This move ensures that our hospital in Castlebar can efficiently operate the recommended 2+2 on-call system as outlined by the National Clinical Programme for Anaesthesia.”

MUH staff had voiced concerns to Deputy Dillon regarding the potential loss of training status with the College of Anaesthesiology Ireland. The loss would stem from a shortfall in adhering to the 2+2 care model. Such a scenario would critically hinder the hospital's ability to provide emergency care, especially within the maternity department.

“In 2020, it became evident that MUH, compared to other model 3 hospitals in the Saolta group, was facing a shortage of consultant anaesthesiology staff. Notably, while facilities in Sligo and Letterkenny had received necessary funding for similar roles, MUH found itself in a unique predicament,” Deputy Dillon outlined.

“Having submitted a number of parliamentary questions, I learned that Saolta was actively negotiating with relevant health bodies to ensure funding for these vital positions at MUH.

“The urgency couldn't be understated. Without these roles, there was a looming risk of removing MUH from the Royal College of Anaesthetists' training programme. In real terms, this meant that, during certain emergencies, there might be no available specialist to assist immediately.”

Added Deputy Dillon : “I’m delighted to see that this matter has now been addressed. Our anaesthetic professionals can now continue to offer top-tier services, upholding the gold standard of patient safety that every Mayo resident deserves.”