Vital service returns to Mayo University Hospital in June

The mammogram x-ray service will be restored at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) on June 8th next.

HSE management announced the news at the February meeting of the Regional Health Forum West and Northwest held in Merlin Park Hospital on Tuesday last. 

The suspension of the service came about due to staff shortages, with HSE management noting there is difficulty in securing the specialist staff needed to provide the service.

Mayo-based health forum member, Cllr Michael Loftus, raised the matter at the meeting, reporting that the loss of the services had significantly impacted patients in the county who were obliged to travel to University Hospital Galway for treatment. 

Cllr Loftus said he warmly welcomed the news that the service will return to MUH next June.

"It was really hard on the individuals who had to go to Galway and in their condition, it was a big thing then to have to reschedule their appointments, and it affected them quite a lot. We need to look at the system of replacing staff, but I do welcome that the services will be back, and it will mean a lot to the people of Mayo.” 

HSE official Charlie Meehan told the forum: “There is a shortage of mammographers across the country, and it can be difficult getting replacements when people are on leave.” 

Area Health Manager Ann Cosgrove added: “It is a specialist area and there is a scarcity of mammography-trained radiographers. The situation is not unique to Mayo, and it can be challenging to get replacements.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.