New HSE Injuries Unit in Mayo to commence recruitment of staff
HSE West and North West has today welcomed progress in the development of a new Injuries Unit in Mayo.
The new unit will be co-located on the site of Ballina District Hospital and approval to recruit the workforce to deliver this service has been granted by the HSE at national level.
The planned Injury Unit in Ballina will treat minor, non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, sprains, dislocations, minor burns, and cuts.
The service will be delivered by consultants, radiographers and specialist nursing staff and will operate seven days per week.
The injury unit team will provide treatment such as x-rays, plaster casts, and wound care at the north Mayo location.
Mary Warde, HSE Integrated Healthcare Manager for Mayo, said: “The establishment of an Injury Unit at Ballina District Hospital is vital to ensure our communities across County Mayo, and from neighbouring counties, can access the right care at the right time.
"This unit will serve to reduce pressure on Mayo University Hospital emergency department and will improve patient outcomes.
"We are now prioritising the recruitment of staff who will roll out this important service expansion in the region.
“Some upgrade works will be required to the existing accommodation in Ballina and tendering for contractors will commence in the coming weeks.”
Speaking about the development, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “I am very happy the new Injuries Unit, to be co-located in Ballina District Hospital, is progressing.
"This will be an important support and contribution to the healthcare needs of the people of Mayo and the wider region.
"There are about 45,000 presentations to MUH emergency department every year.
"Based on the experience in Roscommon Injuries Unit, we expect to see 8,000 to 10,000 yearly presentations to new unit in Ballina.
"Services like this are really important to ensure people can access appropriate diagnostics, care and treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, without having to attend an emergency department.”