Mayo hospital facing threat of 'significant disruption'

Management of Mayo University Hospital has been informed that vital services at the centre face ‘significant disruption’ over the coming months due to industrial action by staff.

Clerical and administration staff at the Castlebar facility have made their position clear as they escalate their campaign to halt the HSE recruitment ban.

The hardest hit department as a result of the ban is the emergency department, which is already under considerable pressure.

Fórsa branch representative Michael Kerrigan said if the recruitment ban is not lifted, the hospital will face significant disruption in the coming months.

He told The Irish Independent: “The emergency department and reception are particularly impacted by the recruitment ban – so really the first people you meet when you come into the hospital.

“These people are not being replaced. They are very low paid staff and they are voting with their feet and are leaving these roles but they are crucial, vital positions and have to be replaced.

“The first person you meet in the hospital is a clerical staff member who will process you and make sure you are seen.

“There are ongoing significant concerns about the health and safety issues that are going to arise with posts not being replaced.

“This is a freeze that has come in across the board and is impacting every area of the hospital.

"We are expecting significant disruption to service being provided in the coming months during a very busy period.

“This comes at a time when hundreds of millions are being spent on consultancy firms and agencies, and HSE is really using staff as a scapegoat for budget overruns,” added Mr. Kerrigan.

The recruitment freeze started with clerical and administration staff but has since been extended to all categories of staff with the exception of consultants, doctors in training and 2023 graduate nurses and midwives.

Mr. Kerrigan said these vacancies have a knock on effect on the entire health service.

A lunchtime protest was stage by hospital staff members earlier this week.