Number of deaths at MUH ED is revealed

More than 100 patients have died in the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital over a five-year period.

Figures presented to the HSE Regional Health Forum by the Saolta hospital group which manages hospitals in Galway, Mayo Sligo and Donegal show that 117 patients died at the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital from 2019 to 2023. 

However, it could not be confirmed if they were in trolleys or in treatment bays.

A total 195 patients died in the ED at Galway University Hospital, and 150 died at the ED in Sligo University Hospital. There were 108 deaths in Letterkenny and 72 in Portiuncula.

The stark figures showed that 239 patients died on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick in the four years to 2023.

The figures include only patients deemed unwell enough to be admitted and who died on a trolley in the ED while waiting for a bed. It does not include patients who passed away by the time they arrived in ED or were critically unwell and were brought directly to resuscitation following an accident or sudden illness.

The majority of those patients (90%) were triaged as the highest category (P1 and P2), indicating a life-threatening illness or patients who are at end-of-life. The figures were revealed in response to a question from Clare councillor Cillian Murphy.

Independent Mayo councillor Michae Kilcoyne, who also sits on the forum told the Western People that the figures revealed were an “appaling indictment of the health service.” “I had no idea that the numbers were that high,” said Cllr Kilcoyne.

“I am sure that among these numbers are a number of people who should never have died. We know this from the inquests. It’s shameful for a country which says it’s one of the richest in the world. It’s unbelievable,” he added.