Long wait times at Mayo Emergency Department today

MAYO University Hospital (MUH) is extremely busy today with high numbers of people awaiting inpatient beds.

The hospital had a very busy weekend with approximately 20% more attendances than an expected weekend, including high attendances of very unwell elderly patients.

As of this morning there are currently 18 patients on trollies in the Emergency Department and a total of 16 patients on trollies at ward level.

In a statement, the hospital management said: “We ask that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance and if at all possible to also use the minor injuries unit in Roscommon.

“As always, people who require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be seen in order of priority. Patients who attend ED for non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.

“All available beds in the hospital are in use. Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready and safe to go home or to an alternative care setting, so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted at the earliest opportunity.

“We have had to postpone all adult elective procedures. Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being reviewed for the remainder of the week. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and sincerely apologises for the distress these delays and cancellations cause.

“The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department and both the hospital management team and the clinical management team are doing everything to keep the site safe for our patients.”