Significant delays for patients at Mayo University Hospital

Mayo University Hospital (MUH) is advising the public of long wait times in the Emergency Department (ED) as it deals with high attendances. The ED in MUH is extremely busy today with more than 500 patients having attended since Saturday morning. There are currently 16 patients on trolleys in the ED waiting admission and all escalation areas are fully utilised, while figures from the INMO have also shown that 18 further patients are on trolleys in other areas of the hospital awaiting admission.

Saolta released the following statement this afternoon: “Many patients coming to the ED are acutely unwell and the hospital is treating a high number of patients who require admission to a bed. Our ability to safely discharge patients who are ready to go home remains impacted by local conditions, with many homes in the locality still without power as a result of Storm Eowyn.

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“Regrettably, this pressure on bed availability is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the Emergency Department. Due to bed shortages, the hospital is postponing most elective procedures unfortunately including endoscopy. As always urgent and critical cases are considered and prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

“We apologise sincerely for the inconvenience caused and would like to thank the public for their understanding and patience at this time. Emergency Departments are always available to treat seriously ill patients and the sickest patients are seen first. We are reminding the public that EDs are for life threatening emergencies. If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or GP Out of Hours service, in the first instance. People coming to the ED with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen.

“For mild illness or non-urgent conditions there are a number of treatment options open to you depending on your illness – being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system. The out of hours GP (WestDoc), Roscommon Injury Unit and pharmacies are open for expert advice and treatment.

“People should check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well. Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing infection by seasonal influenza viruses and can reduce severe disease that can lead to hospitalisation and death. Visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist to get a vaccine.