Mayo University Hospital extremely busy with long wait times

MAYO University Hospital (MUH) is advising the public of long wait times in the Emergency Department (ED) as it deals with high attendances.

The ED is extremely busy today, with more than 300 patients having attended since Saturday morning.

There are currently 17 patients on trolleys in the ED waiting admission and all escalation areas are fully utilised.

The high number of people attending who need to be admitted for ongoing treatment means there is pressure on bed availability. This is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the ED who are waiting for a bed to become available on a ward.

Due to the pressures on the site and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing elective procedures. Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

The hospital, in a statement, acknowledged that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and has apologised for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.

'The Emergency Department is always available to treat seriously ill patients and the sickest patients are seen first.

'We are reminding the public that EDs are for life-threatening emergencies. If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or GP out of hours service in the first instance.

'People coming to the ED with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen.

'For mild illness or non-urgent conditions there are a number of treatment options open to you depending on your illness - being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system. The out of hours GP (WestDoc), Roscommon Injury Unit and pharmacies are open for expert advice and treatment.

'People should check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well.'