Frustration over cancelled Mayo hospital procedures

There is concern and frustration over the level of scheduled appointments being cancelled at Mayo University Hospital.

Mayo Sinn Féin TD, Rose Conway-Walsh said patients across the county are being subjected to repeated delays and unacceptable uncertainty while trying to access care.

"Whenever we have a surge of patients presenting at the Emergency Department, we see knock-on cancellations of scheduled elective procedures due to overcrowding and bed shortages. According to data obtained from the HSE by Sinn Féin, 2,697 appointments were cancelled at MUH in 2025, up from 1,297 in 2024," said Deputy Conway Walsh.

Teachta Conway-Walsh said the situation is not good enough.

“The cancellation of scheduled appointments at Mayo University Hospital is deeply distressing and frustrating for patients and their families. These are people who have already waited months - and in some cases years - for treatment, only to be told that their appointment has been postponed.

“2,697 cancellations last year is simply not good enough. For many patients, this is not the first time their procedure has been cancelled. They are being left in limbo to manage their own pain, while their condition deteriorates and their anxiety about their health increases.

“Elective care should never be treated as optional. It is essential, planned care that people depend on to maintain their quality of life and prevent their conditions from worsening," said the Erris TD.

“The staff at MUH are doing their absolute best for everyone, but they do not have the resources they need to deal with the level of patients presenting at the hospital. The fact that scheduled operations are being cancelled due to overcrowding in the Emergency Department highlights a systemic failure in planning and capacity. Emergency pressures should not come at the expense of those waiting for vital procedures," she added.

 The Erris TD said proper planning must be put in place.

“All patients in Mayo deserve timely access to healthcare. They should not have to endure repeated cancellations because the system cannot cope with predictable pressures."