Concerns over staffing levels at Mayo ambulatory emergency unit

A Mayo elected representative has raised concerns over staffing levels at Mayo University Hospital’s ambulatory emergency department.

Independent Councillor Harry Barrett elaborated: "This is a serious concern. That department is meant to deal with minor injuries after triage and can see 40 to 50 patients in a day.

"Sometimes patients there also need to be admitted.

"When it is closed, every one of those cases is sent back into the main emergency department, which is already overcrowded.

"I have been reliably informed there were no nurses on duty in the ambulatory emergency department yesterday.

"I want hospital management to explain how this was allowed to happen. I also want to know how often this has happened before. People in Mayo need to be sure that services are safe and properly staffed.

"With winter on the way, I am also asking hospital management to set out their winter plan.

"We all know the emergency department will come under huge pressure in the months ahead. We need to see what steps are being taken now to prevent this kind of situation happening again.

"I am calling on Mayo University Hospital to make a public statement so that the people of this county can have answers."