Mayo hospital issues statement over 'significant delays'

THE emergency department in Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar  is extremely busy this afternoon with a high volume of patients attending which is leading to significant delays.

A statement issued by the hospital stated: “It is very important that we protect the ED for those that are most seriously ill and we would encourage people to consider all options available to them for their healthcare needs and they should contact their GP or GP out-of-hours service in the first instance.

“The hospital is currently managing high volumes of patients, including ongoing flu cases and significant volumes of frail elderly patients with chronic conditions and complex care needs.

“Mayo University Hospital apologises for the distress and inconvenience these delays cause patients and their families.

“We also acknowledge the difficult situation for our staff and thank them for their continued dedication and commitment to patient care.

“The hospital continues to implement a number of measures to try to manage the high level of attendances.

“All efforts continue to be made to identify patients who are appropriate for discharge and arrange for the transfer of appropriate patients to community care settings.”