Demand for safe staffing at 'in crisis' Mayo emergency unit
A Mayo TD has issued a strong call for the immediate implementation of the safe staffing framework at Mayo University Hospital (MUH), following what he described as 'alarming reports of chronic understaffing and dangerously high patient volumes' in the hospital’s emergency department (ED).
Deputy Paul Lawless said that despite audits being completed and submitted to the national safer staffing team, MUH is still awaiting allocation and sign-off from the Department of Health.
The delay is putting both patients and frontline staff at serious risk.
He stated: "We are facing a crisis in Mayo University Hospital.
"The emergency department is operating with staffing levels that fall significantly short of what is needed to ensure safe and effective care.
"Nurses are burnt out, patients are waiting hours for care, and the system is failing Mayo families.
"In August 2025, the emergency department saw unprecedented demand, with up to 165 patient presentations in a single day.
"On certain days, only five nurses were rostered to manage the entire department.
I am very concerned that the safe staffing review in MUH has not yet been implemented into the emergency department in the hospital.
"Doctors and nurses are working under immense and sustained pressure. They are missing breaks, working unsafe hours, and carrying additional responsibilities without recognition or pay.
"I know of one man who waited over 13 hours in an ambulance outside MUH awaiting handover.
"The handover was unable to take place due to staff shortages. The staff were heroic, but the system is broken.
“I am demanding the immediate implementation of the safe staffing framework in MUH.
"Urgent action from the Department of Health to approve staffing allocation must happen without further delay.
"There is a major staffing issue. The people of Mayo deserve safe, timely emergency care.
"I am calling on the Minister for Health to act now before more lives are put at risk.”
It is understood the minister made an unannounced visit to the centre a number of weeks ago.