Mayo TD fully behind Mayo University Hospital nurses as strike looms

Aontú TD Paul Lawless has declared his full and unequivocal support for the nurses and staff at Mayo University Hospital, following their threat of strike action due to dangerously low staffing levels and the immense pressure they are currently facing.

Deputy Lawless has also strongly criticised recent remarks made by the Minister for Health in the Dáil, describing the exchange as “disrespectful and insulting” to the hospital’s dedicated staff.

Deputy Lawless said: “The minister is completely disconnected from the reality on the ground in Mayo. The frustration felt by staff is entirely justified. What the mMinister said is simply unacceptable and demonstrates a profound lack of understanding of those working tirelessly for their patients.”

Deputy Lawless outlined the unsustainable and hazardous conditions currently affecting the hospital’s Emergency Department, citing stark figures.

“Presentations are peaking at up to 160 per day. The ED is currently staffed with just four or five nurses at any given time. This is creating dangerously low staffing levels, with ambulance handover times reaching up to 13 hours.

“These are not just statistics - they represent real concerns about patient safety. This is a major issue that cannot be captured in a spreadsheet.

"I am extremely concerned for both staff and patients as we approach the winter season. We are still some way off the peak flu period, and if we do not get a handle on this crisis now, we are facing an incredibly difficult winter.”

Deputy Lawless stressed that the immediate implementation of the Safe Staffing Framework is an absolute priority for the staff and people of Mayo.

“The Emergency Department is beyond breaking point. The Safe Staffing Framework must be implemented without delay.”

Referencing the minister’s comments regarding hospital discharges, Deputy Lawless argued that citing discharge figures in isolation reflects a failure to grasp the full complexity of the situation.

“Mayo has an older patient population compared to other regions, meaning discharges often depend on the availability of community supports. There is a significant deficit in step-down facilities in Mayo.

"Furthermore, hundreds of patients have been approved for homecare hours, yet those hours are never fulfilled due to staffing shortages.”

He continued: “Information released to Aontú shows that, as of July 2025, eight patients had been clinically discharged but remained in the hospital. One of those patients has been in that situation for between four and six months.

"The lack of community resources - such as home help hours and non-acute beds - is making discharges increasingly difficult. Moreover, discharging patients without adequate support often leads to higher rates of readmission.

“We need more step-down facilities and non-acute nursing beds in Mayo. We also need urgent reform of the homecare sector. Removing intermediary agencies would improve conditions for carers without adding costs to the State.”

Deputy Lawless concluded with a direct appeal to the minister: “I am asking the minister to return to Mayo University Hospital and spend a full 12-hour shift with the nurses and doctors - not just 10 minutes - to truly understand the gravity of this situation. It is time to move beyond insulting rhetoric and take immediate, concrete action to implement the Safe Staffing Framework to ensure the people of Mayo receive the safe care they deserve.”