Mayo University Hospital issues important update to patients

Mayo University Hospital (MUH) is extremely busy today with high numbers of people awaiting inpatient beds.

In a statement, the hospital said: "We ask that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance. The Roscommon Injury Unit is open from 8am to 8pm every day of the year and can treat a wide range of breaks, sprains and wounds.

As always, people who require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be seen in order of priority. Patients who attend ED for non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.

All available beds in the hospital are in use. Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready and safe to go home or to an alternative care setting, so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted at the earliest opportunity.

Unfortunately, due to bed pressures in the hospital, some elective procedure are being deferred this week. Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being reviewed for the remainder of the week. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

We acknowledge that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and sincerely apologise for the distress these delays and cancellations cause.

The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department and both the Hospital management team and the clinical management team are doing everything to keep the site safe for our patients."