MUH is now using 40 beds at Castlebar's Sacred Heart Hospital

The HSE has said there is a need for more beds at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) in Castlebar after it revealed that there is now full patient occupancy at the Sacred Heart Hospital in the county town.

In response to queries at the Health Forum West from Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne about the occupancy and the availability of long and short-term beds in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Mary Warde, Integrated Health Area Manager for Mayo, said the hospital has 68 long-term beds, 27 rehab beds and one respite care bed. MUH is currently occupying 34 out of 40 beds in St John’s Ward in the hospital for acute medical patients.

Ms Warde said an audit was undertaken in 2023 which noted that occupancy rates in the Sacred Heart Hospital were greater or equal to 80%, which is the HIQA standard for optimum occupancy, with full occupancy of 100% since November 22nd last.

Cllr Kilcoyne commented: “You say to me the above are the current figures and that Mayo University Hospital occupied 34 of the 40 St John’s Ward beds. Isn’t this a direct result of the failure of successive governments to build a block for beds at MUH? 

"When it was originally built, the Sacred Heart had over 300 beds and you can see what it is down to now. The failure of governments and the HSE to provide enough beds is a major cause of having to use the Sacred Heart and the result is fewer beds for the elderly who need long-term beds.” 

Ms Warde noted that the 68 beds and others referenced in her response were separate from the 34 beds being used by MUH in St John's Ward. 

"The 68 beds and others come under the governance of older people services which support older people throughout Mayo, for both rehab and respite care as well as long-stays."

HSE chief Tony Canavan added: “When we were looking at any available physical capacity during Covid, St John’s Ward was in reasonable order and not being used so we did it up then and took a decision after Covid to use it still as linked with the hospital and governed through the hospital to help with patient flow. 

"They are not a substitute for additional beds required on the campus but I acknowledge we do need additional beds in MUH.” 

Cllr Kilcoyne said he had no problem with the arrangements made during the pandemic, adding: “The only thing is there could be an extra 40 beds for patient care. As it stands, there is a huge waiting list for the Sacred Heart Hospital.” 

Mr Canavan replied: “We do need additional capacity but patients have different needs and we do need to look after them as best we can, which we are doing. But yes, I am categorical on this and agree with you, we do need additional patient beds at MUH to meet the needs of patients." 

Ms Warde was also able to confirm to Cllr Kilcoyne that the current total of beds in MUH is 374, not including the 40 beds at the Sacred Heart Hospital.