Number of patients on trolleys in Mayo University Hospital in April revealed

THE number of patients left on trolleys in Mayo University Hospital (MUH) in the month of April has fallen by over 200. 

A total of 211 people were left without a hospital bed in the month of April, compared to an all-time record of 424 set in April of 2023. 

This represents the lowest recorded figure for April since 2018, when 94 patients were left on trolleys. 

MUH has received planning permission for a new emergency department while plans are currently being progressed to construct a new accommodation block at the Castlebar hospital. 

According to the Irish Nurse and Midwives Organisation's (INMO) Trolley Watch Analysis for the month of April, over 11,000 people, including 258 children, were left on trolleys nationwide. 

The highest number was recorded in University Hospital Limerick, where 1,971 patients were left on trolleys in April. 

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha expressed concern about the level of overcrowding in Irish hospitals.

 “The fact that we are seeing this level of overcrowding in April is clear that the HSE have not learned any lessons when it comes to reducing the number of patients on trolleys,” she stated. 

“The number of patients admitted without a bed only went below 400 on any given day on one occasion, and over 600 patients were on trolleys on five occasions over the course of the month. By any standard this is unacceptable but to see this type of overcrowding during a month when it is traditionally quieter is a clear indicator that the HSE’s current plans are not working. 

“Our members are reporting that the challenges associated with overcrowding are being worsened by the HSE’s recruitment moratorium which is making it impossible to staff any ward safely or to expand nursing services into the community to develop the much needed services as set out in Sláintecare.”