A&E extension 'will not solve' overcrowding problems at MUH

A councillor has said a new extension to Mayo University Hospital (MUH) will not make a difference unless extra beds are put in place.

A planning application for the expansion of the Emergency Department (ED) at MUH has been submitted to Mayo County Council, with hopes construction work can get underway by late 2024.

“The people of Mayo are deserving and in need of improved healthcare services," said Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon. "I was delighted before Christmas to witness the progress of this long-awaited capital project, which is crucial for delivering timely and efficient patient care."

The planning application includes a two-storey extension with a rooftop plant room that has access to the existing courtyard. The extension will allow for the expansion of the ground floor ED and introduce a new Acute Medical Admissions Unit (AMAU) on the first floor.

The existing ED on the ground floor will undergo refurbishment as part of the project.

Cllr Michael Kilcoyne commended Deputy Dillon for his efforts but said it is just a "first step" in addressing the problems at the hospital.

“I welcome the efforts that Deputy Dillon is making. However, that is not going to solve the problems at MUH. It will be 2025 or 2026 before that extension is opened and if you extend the A&E area and you don’t provide the additional rooms, of which 70 are required, then where are you going to put the people? I see this as only being a first step but it will be a first step that leads to nowhere unless the beds come into being,” said Cllr Kilcoyne.

He said some of the overcrowding issues at the Castlebar hospital can also be attributed to a lack of follow-up services. 

“Anybody that was fit to walk was sent home. A lot of people were sent home over the Christmas. At the same time, there are probably a lot of people in hospital who should not be there at all but there is no homecare service available for them. There are 140 families in Mayo awaiting home help.”