Mayo hospital receives boost as 25 additional staff are to be recruited

Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD has said the immediate recruitment of 25 staff for the long-awaited Minor Injuries Unit at Ballina District Hospital and once fully operational will ease pressure at the Emergency Department at Mayo University Hospital, by cutting approximately 8,000 presentations per annum.

Minister Dillon said: “By strengthening district hospitals in Ballina, Belmullet, and Swinford, we are ensuring that communities across Mayo and the west have access to timely, high-quality care closer to home. It also secures continued investment in services at Mayo University Hospital, while addressing the geographic challenges faced by residents in North and East Mayo, who will benefit from reduced travel times and less dependency on hospitals in Sligo and Roscommon.”

Minister Dillon described the announcement as a major vote of confidence in Mayo’s healthcare system: “This is a transformative development for Ballina District Hospital and the wider north Mayo region. By alleviating pressure on Mayo University Hospital and delivering care locally, we are strengthening our healthcare infrastructure and ensuring better outcomes for patients across Mayo and the west.”

Minister Dillon also highlighted that the recruitment drive will not only enhance patient care but also create new employment opportunities in Ballina, further supporting the local economy.

“The new unit will build on the proven success of the Roscommon Hospital Injury Unit, which provides vital diagnostic and treatment services. This announcement underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Mayo, ensuring that district hospitals remain central to delivering accessible, community-based care.

The establishment of the Minor Injuries Unit at Ballina District Hospital represents a significant step forward in delivering modern, responsive healthcare services for the people of Mayo and the wider western region,” Minister Dillon concluded.

Ballina based TD Dara Calleary stated “This is going to be a huge development for the hospital, for Ballina and for North Mayo. It will secure the future of Ballina District Hospital, alleviate some of the pressure on the Emergency Department of Mayo University Hospital and bring a huge amount of footfall to Ballina from the wider North Mayo and West and South Sligo areas.

“The Minister has confirmed to me that it is now expected that the 25 staff will be recruited in the coming week and the unit will be open and functioning in early 2026. I want to pay tribute to Director of Nursing Fidelma Gallagher and all her team. This is a really exciting development for the hospital and for the town. I am very grateful to both former Minister Donnelly and Minister MacNeil for their support of this ambitious development,” Calleary said.

READ MORE: Mayo schools help raise funds for GOAL on Jersey Day