Health Minister to visit Mayo for 'key hospital visits' this month

Mayo will be in the national healthcare spotlight on Monday, November 17, as Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill visits the county for a series of important engagements. Minister of State Alan Dillon has described the visit as “an important opportunity to advance discussions and progress on priorities that will strengthen healthcare in Mayo.”

During her visit, Minister Carroll MacNeill will meet staff at Ballina District Hospital to review local service provision, attend Mayo University Hospital (MUH) to discuss critical infrastructure priorities, launch The Sunflower Children’s Hospice with the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, and visit Mayo Cancer Connect at Rock Rose House for the launch of its Strategic Plan.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Dillon said: “I will be delighted to welcome my colleague, Minister Carroll MacNeill, to Mayo. This visit is about delivery, progress, and constructive engagement to secure solutions and commitments. Mayo University Hospital and Ballina District Hospital are central to healthcare in this region, and they need investment to match the growing demand. At the same time, we must continue to support the incredible work being done by Mayo Cancer Support and the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. These organisations provide vital care and comfort to families at the most difficult times, and their role in our healthcare system cannot be overstated.”

The timing of this visit is significant, coming just ahead of the publication of the HSE Service Plan and Capital Plan, which will set the direction for healthcare investment nationally.

Minister Dillon outlined his priorities: “For Mayo, my focus is clear, progress on the new Emergency Department and Acute Medical Assessment Unit at MUH, additional resources to manage rising ED presentations, and staffing levels that reflect the reality on the ground. These are the solutions and commitments we need to secure with the Minister, the HSE, and local hospital management.”

When asked about his approach, Minister Dillon said: “This is not about promises, it’s about practical steps. Delivery and progress are key for me, and that’s why I’ve put such emphasis on these hospital visits.”

He also addressed concerns raised by staff: “We know there are challenges around staffing, weekend discharges, and diagnostic capacity. We need solutions that work for Mayo’s rural profile and high demand. That means fair allocation of resources and a clear roadmap for improvement.”

Minister Dillon concluded: “The people of Mayo deserve a modern, safe, and well-resourced healthcare system. This visit is an opportunity to keep that focus sharp and ensure we are planning for the future.”

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