Covid dossier on Mayo hospital handed to minister as new complaint emerges
A TOP level report on the management of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 cases at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) has been completed.
The study was sought from HSE chief Paul Reid on foot of a letter submitted to former Health Minister Simon Harris by Ballina TD Dara Calleary which related to serious concerns raised of crossover at the facility.
Concerns were raised by two bereaved families in April as well as a number of nurses who spoke out anonymously citing crossover of staff between Covid and non-Covid units.
A new complaint was also highlighted in the Irish Independent today.
According to documents released under the Freedom of Information Act, the case related to a cancer patient suffering the side effects of chemotherapy being placed in a Covid-19 ward at Mayo University Hospital.
New Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has confirmed receipt of Mr. Reid's dossier.
He elaborated: “The report covers the Covid-19 planning undertaken at Mayo University Hospital as part of the overall work of the Saolta Hospital Group, the considerable challenges faced at the outset and the actions taken to address these challenges.
"It goes on to outline extensive measures implemented as the numbers of patients presenting with Covid-19 increased.
“The report details the 121 positive Covid-19 patients in Mayo University Hospital and states that all cases of patients and staff where hospital acquired status has been identified will be managed via the incident management system.
“The report refers to an increase in the number of patients and staff with confirmed Covid-19 in April and indicates that the hospital undertook a focused response.
"A report is currently being finalised in relation to this outbreak.”
Speaking to The Connaught Telegraph, Deputy Calleary said he is seeking an early meeting with the minister to discuss the report in detail.
“I will put the concerns of the families, hospital staff and the wider public directly to him.
"I will also push him to make the necessary capital investments at MUH as well as Ballina District Hospital and Belmullet Hospital.”
It is unclear if full details of the report will be made public.
However, Minister Donnelly said the Saolta Hospital Group is assured that the appropriate control measures are currently in place in Castlebar in relation to the management of Covid-19.
He said: “Saolta Executive, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases personnel have inputted to the management of Covid-19 in the hospital.
"In line with good practice, the hospital also had direct input from the HSE’s Public Health Specialist service.
“Importantly, the report also outlines learning identified and issues that need to be addressed going forward.
"It indicates that the Saolta Hospital Group is assured that the appropriate control measures are currently in place in Mayo University Hospital in relation to the management of Covid-19.”