Appeal for action on poor ambulance turnaround times at Mayo hospital

A fresh appeal has been made to radically improve ambulance turnaround times at Mayo University Hospital.

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh cited analysis which revealed that up to 90% of the ambulances that attended the emergency department at the Castlebar centre did not meet the turnaround time of less than 30 minutes.

The Erris-based representative outlined: "Let us imagine waiting for an ambulance and driving more than 50 miles in that ambulance on the worst roads in the country, only to have to wait in the ambulance to access emergency treatment.

"This is caused by the lack of capacity and bad patient flow.

"HIQA has stated the lack of beds in community and district hospitals is the main reason causing the backlog.

"The Taoiseach engage with the Minister for Health to address these issues."