Ambulances backed up at Mayo University Hospital

There are major concerns that a “critical incident” will occur at Mayo University Hospital unless action is taken.

Ambulance staff were unable to discharge their patients into an overcrowded emergency department with seven ambulances left backed up outside the hospital on one night last week.

“Many of their drivers stayed the night because they were unable to discharge their patients into the emergency department,” said Castlebar-based Independent councillor Harry Barrett.

With high numbers of patients on trolleys at the hospital, he predicted that "we are now getting closer to a critical incident".

Cllr Barrett said an emergency plan needs to be implemented urgently at the Castlebar hospital.

"I am again calling on Mayo University Hospital to put an emergency plan in place immediately to deal with the shocking number of people waiting on trolleys in the Accident and Emergency Department. Right now, many elderly and very sick people are waiting for care in conditions that are completely unacceptable.” 

Cllr Barrett said “basic human dignity” is not being provided and the trust of patients and their families has been eroded.

“These are our family members, friends, and neighbours. They are stuck for hours on end in a noisy, bright, and overcrowded emergency room. 

"It’s not just uncomfortable - it’s unsafe. People deserve better than this, especially when they’re at their most vulnerable.

“The situation has reached crisis levels. Hospital management needs to act now and put a Surge Plan in place. This isn’t something we can wait around for. 

"The system is clearly overwhelmed, and immediate measures are needed to reduce the pressure and make sure patients are cared for properly.

“This is about basic human dignity. People in Mayo deserve a hospital system they can trust to take care of them when they’re sick. Right now, that trust is being tested,” Cllr Barrett added.

The hospital issued a statement last week warning patients of the overcrowding issues being experienced. Certain procedures had to be postponed as a result.

The hospital apologised to patients for the inconvenience caused.